April 27, 2023
By News Director Jared Atha
Sen. Darcy Jech, R-Kingfisher, said he appreciates the support of Gov. Kevin Stitt after Senate Bill 913 was signed into law Thursday. Jech is the author of the measure, which will hold medical marijuana grows accountable by requiring them to submit a bond along with their application covering the area where they will conduct business.
“Our state has had many problems with marijuana grows abandoning land and leaving behind a large mess,” Jech said. “This will set a minimum bond amount of $50,000 that can be used to restore the property in the event it is abandoned, or the operation loses its license. Some grows may be required to have a higher bond depending on their reclamation requirements set by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). Ultimately, this will help clean up valuable farmland that has been harmed by illegal operations and allows OMMA or any other appropriate state agency to recoup costs associated with the cleanup.”
Commercial operations may operate without a bond if the licensee has owned the land for at least five years before submitting their application.
“This legislation has been a work in progress and did not make it through the legislative process last year. This gave us time to improve the bill and bring it back this year in its best form. I greatly appreciate Attorney General Drummond’s advice and assistance on this measure, as well as the House author, Rep. Anthony Moore for getting this bill through his chamber,” Jech said.
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