Oklahoma – Governor Kevin Stitt commended the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) for their ongoing work to combat illegal marijuana grows and related criminal activity across the state.
“In 2022, I made it a top priority to crack down on our out-of-control medical marijuana industry,” Governor Stitt said. “Director Berry, Director Anderson, and our county sheriffs have worked tirelessly to remove illegal grows, address human trafficking, and protect Oklahomans. They do so without seeking accolades or recognition, and I am grateful for their service and commitment to the safety and well-being of all four million Oklahomans.”
Since 2022, OBN has seized 1.7 million illegal marijuana plants, 181,000 pounds of processed marijuana, and made 302 arrests. The agency established full-time statewide Marijuana Enforcement Teams (OBN MET) to target criminal organizations involved in black market operations and fraudulent licensing schemes. OBN Director Donnie Anderson said these efforts have led to a dramatic reduction in illegal marijuana activity in Oklahoma.
OMMA has also focused on enforcing regulations within the medical marijuana industry, reducing commercial licenses from 13,785 in 2021 to 5,217 today, and grows from 9,402 to 2,680. OMMA Executive Director Adria Berry said thousands of administrative cases, hundreds of investigations, and numerous criminal referrals demonstrate the agency’s commitment to removing bad actors from the industry.
County law enforcement has been instrumental in supporting raids and arrests linked to illegal grows and human trafficking. Logan County Sheriff Damon Devarux, president of the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association, praised the partnership with OBN, noting the significant impact criminal marijuana operations have had on communities and the value of the Bureau’s expertise and resources.
Governor Stitt highlighted the collaboration among state agencies and local law enforcement as essential to protecting Oklahomans and maintaining a regulated medical marijuana industry.
Governor Stitt praises OMMA and OBN for efforts to reduce illegal marijuana operations in Oklahoma
