Public meetings planned on Oklahoma marijuana rules

A group of 13 Oklahoma legislators will work on regulations for the state's new medical marijuana industry.

The nine Republicans and four Democrats plan public meetings on the issue beginning next week.

The new law approved by voters in a special referendum last month requires the state to have a system for licensing applications for patients and dispensaries up and running within 30 days of passage.

"This group of bipartisan lawmakers will be working diligently with all the stakeholders to determine the most efficient way to enact the will of the voters," said Speaker Charles McCall (R-Atoka) in a written statement. "Oklahoma is in unchartered territory, and there are still a lot of unanswered questions and differing opinions on how to create the best regulatory framework that ensures patients have access to safe and effective medicinal products. I hope it can be done quickly, but more importantly, it needs to be done right."

Members of the panel include Sen. Greg McCortney (R-Ada) and Rep. Dustin Roberts (R-Durant).

The Oklahoma Board of Health approved emergency rules last week that have been subject to intense criticism. The rules included a requirement to employ a pharmacist at marijuana dispensaries and a ban on selling "smokable" pot.

Attorney General Mike Hunter said the board overstepped its authority and should reconvene to pass less restrictive rules.