July 9, 2021
By News Director Jared Atha
Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Donnie Anderson visited Elk City recently and spoke mainly about the ongoing problem of illegal medical marijuana grow operations that are popping up across the state – including in western Oklahoma.
While speaking to the Elk City Rotary Club, Anderson said the sudden influx of illegal grow houses in Oklahoma is thanks in large part to the rushed passage of the legalization of medical marijuana in the state – without strong regulations. He said the weak laws and regulations have opened the windows for drug cartels from all over the world – including China – to obtain land in the state for their illegal activity. He said with that, comes bigger issues.
Anderson said his office has a large backlog of complaints that have been filed against grow houses, and that each one will be addressed – it just takes time. When asked what can citizens do if they feel like laws and regulations need to be updated, Anderson said the solution is simple: contact your local legislator.
Anderson said that right now there are nearly 7,500 licensed grow operations in the state, which is high when compared to more populated states with legal medical marijuana.
It was announced this week that H.D. 57 State Representative Anthony Moore, R-Clinton has submitted an interim study for illegal foreign land acquisition in the state. The first step of possible legislation that could be heard at the state capitol next spring. House Speaker Charles McCall decides which submitted studies will be approved on July 23.
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