Officials release 'alarming' marijuana study findings in Oklahoma

A press conference was held Friday afternoon at the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics (OBN) Headquarters, where officials discussed 'alarming' data from a comprehensive study on marijuana in Oklahoma.

The report, compiled by the TEXOMA High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) at the request of Oklahoma legislators, policymakers, and concerned citizens, will highlight the current landscape of marijuana in the state, according to OBN.

As indicated through the data, marijuana legalization in Oklahoma has had a significant impact on the state, with increased marijuana use among both youth and adults. Along with a rise in marijuana related health issues such as emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and calls to the poison control center. The report also highlights the challenges of regulating the industry, including the diversion of marijuana for illegal purposes and the need for ongoing research on the long-term impacts of cannabis use.

Here are some key points made in the report summary:

1. Use among adults aged 26 and older increased by 188% since legalization.
2. Cannabis plant seizures increased by 69,573% while pounds seized during interdiction stops rose by 717%
3. Oklahoma has 12 times more licensed growers than Colorado and over three times as many combined medical/recreational growers.
4. The state has more than 5 times as many licensed dispensaries as Colorado and nearly twice as many combines dispensaries.
5. The industry produces more than 32 times the supply needed, contributing to illicit market diversion.
6. There was a 327% increase in cases testing positive for cannabinoids from 2019 to 2023.

Scheduled speakers include:

1. Keith Brown, Executive Director of TEXOMA HIDTA
2. U.S. Sen. James Lankford
3. Steven Harpe, Director of the Oklahoma Department of Corrections
4. Donnie Anderson, Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics