Bill No. 1163 amends the Trafficking in Illegal Drugs Act by lowering the weight threshold for aggravated trafficking offenses related to marijuana from "twenty-five (25) pounds or more" to "Twenty-five (25) pounds or more." The bill introduces significant penalties for trafficking offenses, with aggravated trafficking resulting in harsher consequences, including a requirement to serve a minimum of 85% of the sentence before being eligible for parole. Additionally, the bill modifies the provisions regarding medical marijuana patient licenses, stating that possession of up to one and one-half (1.5) ounces of marijuana by individuals who can cite a medical condition will be treated as a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine rather than imprisonment.

The bill also establishes the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to oversee the application process for medical marijuana licenses, ensuring the protection of applicants' privacy and processing applications within specified timeframes. It outlines the criteria for obtaining both medical marijuana caregiver and patient licenses, including age and residency requirements. Caregivers are limited to cultivating for no more than five patients and cannot charge more than the actual costs incurred. The bill allows for a special exception for applicants under eighteen, requiring signatures from two physicians and a parent or legal guardian. It mandates that all patient license applications be signed by a licensed Oklahoma physician, protecting physicians from penalties for signing applications, and grants local authorities the power to establish guidelines that may allow license holders to exceed state limits. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 63-420
House Committee Substitute: 63-420
Floor (House): 63-420
Floor (Senate): 63-420
Engrossed: 63-420