Oklahoma Medical Cannabis Authority Cuts Staff by 10% to Improve Efficiency

In a bid to enhance efficiency, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) has cut its staff by 10%. A spokesperson for the agency confirmed the reduction on Tuesday, explaining that the move aims to maximize taxpayer dollars. OMMA Executive Director Adria Berry emphasized in an email to staff that the restructuring effort was necessary to keep the agency nimble and prepared for future challenges.

“This is an opportunity to innovate and grow, ensuring that our agency remains a leading force in regulating cannabis and serving our community,” said Berry.

Industry Concerns Over Oversight

The reaction from the Oklahoma Cannabis Industry Association (OCIA) was mixed, with some expressing concern over the potential impacts of the staff reduction. Founding OCIA board member Mike Ervin highlighted worries about the agency’s ability to maintain oversight of the industry.

“The industry is concerned that it reduces the ability for OMMA to conduct oversight for the industry just when they seem to be getting a handle on the industry,” said Ervin. “Now we see layoffs and we believe that will affect their ability to provide the oversight necessary.”

OMMA has not released a list of the positions that were eliminated, making it difficult to assess the full impact of the cuts. Ervin suggested that while some positions may no longer be necessary, it is crucial that OMMA replaces these roles with others that can help reduce existing backlogs in licensing, processing, and renewal.

Calls for Increased Efficiency and Collaboration

Jed Green, a spokesperson for Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action (ORCA), also weighed in on the restructuring. He acknowledged the need for the agency to adapt but shared concerns about the industry’s long-standing issues with delays in licensing renewals and transfers.

“There had previously been about 10,000 grow licenses in the state,” said Green. “There’s obviously been a drastic reduction in the number of licenses that are issued by OMMA.”

Green stressed the importance of finding efficiencies within the agency, particularly in their core duty of renewing and assisting businesses with licensing. He noted some recent improvements in the agency’s processing speed and expressed hope for continued collaboration between OMMA, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders.

“Our number one concern as an organization is that we know that we’ve got consumer-safe products on the shelves; and that only happens when there is a clear path for businesses to be able to get those products there,” Green said.

Budgetary Constraints and Industry Challenges

The OCIA pointed out that budgetary restrictions set by Oklahoma’s legislature have been a significant obstacle for OMMA. Ervin mentioned that the industry generates about $60 million more than the appropriated amount needed to regulate it and suggested that these funds should be used to improve regulation and industry operations.

“We believe that money should be spent, regulated in the industry so that’s better for not only all industry participants, but for Oklahomans in general,” Ervin said.

As the OMMA undergoes this restructuring process, the cannabis industry in Oklahoma remains watchful. Stakeholders hope that the agency’s efforts to improve efficiency will ultimately benefit both the regulatory framework and the businesses it oversees. Continued dialogue and cooperation between the OMMA, industry representatives, and legislators will be essential in navigating these changes and ensuring the sustainable growth of Oklahoma’s medical marijuana market.