Oklahoma – Governor Kevin Stitt has issued a formal call for a statewide crackdown on the illegal manufacturing, distribution, and sale of psychoactive marijuana derivatives that he says present a growing threat to public safety across Oklahoma.
In a letter addressed to key state agency leaders, including the Secretary of Public Safety Tricia Everest, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control Director Donnie Anderson, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Executive Director Adria Berry, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton, and Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) Director Greg Mashburn, Governor Stitt called for an interagency effort to strengthen enforcement and close regulatory loopholes related to these substances.
“These compounds, often marketed to young people, have psychoactive properties that threaten the safety and well-being of Oklahomans,” said Stitt. “We must act quickly and collaboratively to address this emerging threat and ensure that both licensed and illicit markets are held accountable.”
The compounds in question include delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), THC-O, THCP, and THCV — all substances that are frequently synthesized from hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD). These products are often sold with little oversight, particularly outside of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, raising concerns about their accessibility and potential health risks.
Governor Stitt’s directive outlines three major areas of focus for state agencies:
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Coordinated investigation: Agencies are tasked with identifying and investigating both licensed and unlicensed operations involved in the production and sale of these substances.
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Targeted enforcement: OBNDDC, DPS, and OSBI will focus on cracking down on illegal networks, while OMMA will monitor and enforce compliance within the state’s licensed dispensary system.
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Regulatory assessment: Agencies will evaluate current regulations, identify gaps, and recommend legislative or administrative changes to the Governor’s office.
The Governor emphasized that this coordinated effort is intended to protect the public from potentially dangerous substances and ensure that businesses operate within the bounds of state law.
