House Bill No. 2837 amends the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act to establish new credentialing requirements for employees of medical marijuana businesses. Starting January 1, 2024, employees must apply for and receive a credential from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, which may contract with third-party vendors to facilitate this process. The bill mandates that employees submit proof of completion of educational training as part of their credential application, with specific topics outlined for the training, including state statutes, patient privacy, and safe handling of medical marijuana.
Additionally, beginning January 1, 2027, all employees must complete this educational training annually to maintain their credentials. The bill also clarifies that if a third-party vendor determines an employee does not meet the requirements for a credential, the employee can appeal the decision to the Authority. The Authority is responsible for reviewing applications and issuing credentials, while the Executive Director may create rules to implement these provisions. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.