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Oklahoma could soon see the impact of the federal government’s reclassification of medical marijuana. It was in the same class as heroin, but is now considered a less dangerous drug.
Oklahoma could soon see the impact of the federal government’s reclassification of medical marijuana. It was in the same class as heroin, but is now considered a less dangerous drug.
However, the reclassification does not decriminalize marijuana or allow for recreational use. The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Director Donnie Anderson explained what the action means for Oklahoma.
“LONG OVERDUE”
“So, really it’s long overdue,” said Anderson. “That should be reclassified.”
Anderson supports the federal government’s policy involving moving marijuana from a Schedule I drug to a Schedule III.
“There is medical benefits to marijuana,” said Anderson. “So, a Schedule I means there’s no medical benefit and high propensity for abuse. So, in reality, it shouldn’t be spoken in the same breath as heroin.”
MEDICAL RESEARCH BENEFITS
Anderson said the reclassification will allow for medical research.
“So, our universities, people who typically do these clinical medical trials are able to do it now,” said Anderson. “Just all the legal loopholes you have to go through, those restrictions are lifted.”
IMPACT ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA BUSINESSES
Anderson did say that Medical marijuana businesses will see an immediate impact.
“For legitimate business owners in Oklahoma, it gives them a tax break,” said Anderson. “It will also provide banking that they haven’t been able to legitimately do.”
Anderson said the policy change will not impact the state agency’s work to eradicate illegal marijuana businesses.
‘It may even move them out of here quicker,” said Anderson.
Schedule III drugs are sold out of pharmacies. However, Anderson said he does not think that will be the case for medical marijuana in Oklahoma, keeping it in dispensaries.
News 9 did reach out to the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority for comment, but did not hear back from the agency.
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