Cannabis

[Ross MacLochness]

^^^good point. Might not have to be all cash for long. Wasn't there some banking law that would allow for MJ cash to be deposited that was passed or proposed recently?

[bchris02]

Just because the Feds legalize does not mean the state of Texas will. States Rights and all that. Fireworks are legal in some states and not others as an example. Feds ended prohibition of alcohol decades before Oklahoma did.

I think it's very possible some states will never legalize or won't for many years if not decades. I do think nationwide decriminalization is coming within the next 5-10 years.

Right now, the biggest barrier to just getting this done and over with is the fact that the GOP is the dominant party right now in the federal government. I think when we get a Dem President, either in 2021 or 2025, federal legalization won't be far behind.

[OKC Guy]

I think it's very possible some states will never legalize or won't for many years if not decades. I do think nationwide decriminalization is coming within the next 5-10 years.

Right now, the biggest barrier to just getting this done and over with is the fact that the GOP is the dominant party right now in the federal government. I think when we get a Dem President, either in 2021 or 2025, federal legalization won't be far behind.

There was a Dem POTUS for 8 years prior to Trump and it wasn’t fixed.

I also think all states will pass it once Feds do

[jedicurt]

There was a Dem POTUS for 8 years prior to Trump and it wasn’t fixed.

I also think all states will pass it once Feds do

yes... but he did ease the federal restrictions and all but decriminalized it

[OKC Guy]

Looking at the month to month sales, and the improvements I've already seen in just a matter of months, once the medical marijuana industry is a couple of years old it's going to be nuts. Colorado did like $1.5 billion in sales in 2018, with recreational. In April Oklahoma did $18 million, with just medical alone. In 2019 we went from $4 million, to $7 million, then $12m and $18m. So if April's numbers are maintained, we're already looking at a quarter of a Billion a year. But I actually think we'll be trending closer to half a Billion if not somewhere between $500M to $1B by the end of 2019. Applications for cards seem to be holding strong, and actually increasing. From what I know the same is true for dispensaries and growers, and many of them still seem to be struggling to keep up with current demand. I wouldn't be shocked if we matched Colorado in 2020 with just medical alone.

I can't wait till the industry matures a bit more here, the supply issues stabilize, and the dispensaries get rid of the cheap living room furniture in their waiting areas (they look like the entrances to sketchy massage parlors).

One comment, if we legalize then Colorado sales would decrease. Based on our closer proximity to TX we would reap a bonanza too. Could build a MJ hotel across border so Texans could come up on weekends and have a place to use it and not have to carry back and risk getting stopped. Would likely see regulars. Would have a cottage industry, at least until TX legalized. We would have both the biggest Casino and biggest Pot hotel/dispensary district in world most likely

[OKC Guy]

yes... but he did ease the federal restrictions and all but decriminalized it

And current admin has not enforced it either so both are on same level regarding topic.

[jedicurt]

And current admin has not enforced it either so both are on same level regarding topic.

well Jeff Sessions did rescind most of the Obama era DOJ policies on Cannabis. and after Sessions has left, Barr has not yet brought those back.

So while Trump has said he would support and sign a bill legalizing it... one could say that his administration did roll back some of the previous administrations lax policies

[bchris02]

One comment, if we legalize then Colorado sales would decrease. Based on our closer proximity to TX we would reap a bonanza too. Could build a MJ hotel across border so Texans could come up on weekends and have a place to use it and not have to carry back and risk getting stopped. Would likely see regulars. Would have a cottage industry, at least until TX legalized. We would have both the biggest Casino and biggest Pot hotel/dispensary district in world most likely

I always figured Okies would be driving to Gainesville for legal weed. It's still amazing to me that Texans driving to Thackerville is more likely.

[OKC Guy]

I always figured Okies would be driving to Gainesville for legal weed. It's still amazing to me that Texans driving to Thackerville is more likely.

I hope we can get this to a vote it will pass. I’m as red as they come yet am 100% for legalizing. In addition to tax revenue it would reduce prison and all the associated costs that go with getting busted. And tax money would help us massively improve infrastructure. Even if we beat TX by 5 years, that amount of money would be ours never to be gotten back by Texas. It would be a one time money boost for our state, that could last from 2 to 10 or more years. I also think ot would reduce some crime although that could be debated I’m sure. Part of money could go to drug addiction programs too.

[Ross MacLochness]

This thread:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Smx0zv5L7E

[Bunty]

They might as well do it and start cashing in. The cats out of the bag now and it's just a matter of time before it's legal IMO.

I don't expect the Oklahoma Legislature to do it. I bet Republicans expect the people to do a successful petition and then hold a successful election for it, if they want legal rec marijuana that bad. I don't see that happening until 2023 when, hopefully, the signature count required for a successful petition for a statute change will return to a lower level. Presumably an election to legalize rec marijuana would not be held until 2024. I doubt Republicans learned a lesson from the looseness of SQ788. Rec marijuana remains an issue still too hot for them to touch, or as little as possible.

[FighttheGoodFight]

Looking at the month to month sales, and the improvements I've already seen in just a matter of months, once the medical marijuana industry is a couple of years old it's going to be nuts. Colorado did like $1.5 billion in sales in 2018, with recreational. In April Oklahoma did $18 million, with just medical alone. In 2019 we went from $4 million, to $7 million, then $12m and $18m. So if April's numbers are maintained, we're already looking at a quarter of a Billion a year. But I actually think we'll be trending closer to half a Billion if not somewhere between $500M to $1B by the end of 2019. Applications for cards seem to be holding strong, and actually increasing. From what I know the same is true for dispensaries and growers, and many of them still seem to be struggling to keep up with current demand. I wouldn't be shocked if we matched Colorado in 2020 with just medical alone.

I can't wait till the industry matures a bit more here, the supply issues stabilize, and the dispensaries get rid of the cheap living room furniture in their waiting areas (they look like the entrances to sketchy massage parlors).

Those numbers are amazing. I am not a card holder but one of the dispensaries in Norman has a drive thru now. Looks like it stays pretty busy.

[jedicurt]

Those numbers are amazing. I am not a card holder but one of the dispensaries in Norman has a drive thru now. Looks like it stays pretty busy.

yep. i actually know the owner of the one in Norman with a drive thru... he was talking about how people drive all the way from Edmond, just so they don't have to get out of their vehicle. lol

[bchris02]

I don't expect the Oklahoma Legislature to do it. I bet Republicans expect the people to do a successful petition and then hold a successful election for it, if they want legal rec marijuana that bad. I don't see that happening until 2023 when, hopefully, the signature count required for a successful petition for a statute change will return to a lower level. Presumably an election to legalize rec marijuana would not be held until 2024. I doubt Republicans learned a lesson from the looseness of SQ788. Rec marijuana remains an issue still too hot for them to touch, or as little as possible.

I agree with this. When it comes to the religious right types, who have a lot of pull in the OK legislature (and TX as well), recreational marijuana is something they still won't touch with a 10 foot pole. I think once the feds legalize, most blue and purple states will and the red states will follow suit.

[jerrywall]

yep. i actually know the owner of the one in Norman with a drive thru... he was talking about how people drive all the way from Edmond, just so they don't have to get out of their vehicle. lol

I wasn't sure if drive thrus were legal. Just this weekend I was driving by an old building with a drive thru in Edmond thinking it would be smart to put a dispensary there. Seems like the market would support it.

[Filthy]

So, do most of the cannibas doctors that are signing recommendations, also office inside the dispensery? Or do most have thier own stand alone clinics? I was hoping to talk to/and or have a consult, and has finding it somewhat difficult to locate a good Dr. in my area.

[JLCinOKC]

The advertising aspect is what really astounds me. It boggles my mind when I hear radio ads for dispensaries or cannabis growing equipment, etc. The Gazette is chock full of ads! Pete, are you planning on doing the Extract insert monthly? It's very informative. And probably fairly lucrative. Have you had any pushback from advertisers or distribution points? 7-11 would never allow the Gazette because of the strip club ads. *eye roll*

Pete, have to tell you how grateful I am that you have injected a breath of fresh into the Gazette. I worked there from 1994-2000, and it has always held a special place in my heart. Such a fun place to work in the 90s! It's nice to see fresh blood. It was withering under Sneakley's watch. Keep up the good work and I look forward to seeing what the future holds!

[JLCinOKC]

So, do most of the cannibas doctors that are signing recommendations, also office inside the dispensery? Or do most have thier own stand alone clinics? I was hoping to talk to/and or have a consult, and has finding it somewhat difficult to locate a good Dr. in my area.

Check out Weedmaps.com or leafly.com. They have a section for cannabis doctors.

[TheTravellers]

Didn't really find this info anywhere, so thought I'd ask here. My application was approved, but my wife hasn't started hers yet. When I get my license, can she go into a dispensary with me if she doesn't have a license yet? Thanks...

[BBatesokc]

Didn't really find this info anywhere, so thought I'd ask here. My application was approved, but my wife hasn't started hers yet. When I get my license, can she go into a dispensary with me if she doesn't have a license yet? Thanks...

I have a friend with a card and she asked about her husband coming in (he was in the car) and she was told "no. not without a card." Don't know if that is the law or just a policy though. I'm guessing it's the law.

[GoGators]

Didn't really find this info anywhere, so thought I'd ask here. My application was approved, but my wife hasn't started hers yet. When I get my license, can she go into a dispensary with me if she doesn't have a license yet? Thanks...

I believe she can go in no problem. I wanted to check one out and don’t have a license. I went in one with my girlfriend who has a card and it was no problem.

You don’t have to have a card to work at one so I can’t see how there would be a law about entering without one.

I could see how some of the more busy stores may have that policy as it wouldn’t make a lot of sense to cram your store with people who can’t legally buy anything. But I think for the most part it’s not a big deal.

[TheTravellers]

Thanks for the replies, guess we'll just have to give it a shot and see...

[Pete]

The advertising aspect is what really astounds me. It boggles my mind when I hear radio ads for dispensaries or cannabis growing equipment, etc. The Gazette is chock full of ads! Pete, are you planning on doing the Extract insert monthly? It's very informative. And probably fairly lucrative. Have you had any pushback from advertisers or distribution points?

Extract is a monthly insert in the Gazette and is also distributed separately. We hope to soon expand throughout the state and beyond. I'm very proud of that publication. It's education-based, with lots of solid info for people seeking various treatments. Plenty of weedy lifestyle publications out there, but Extract is somewhat unique and reaches a wide audience.

And no, we have not received any pushback from advertisers since we started accepting cannabis advertising in the Gazette and in Extract. We've had a few readers express concern, but that number is very low considering we reach about 100K people every week.

It seems everyone understands the culture has shifted regarding cannabis, as have the laws. And all that seems to be accelerating.

[jccouger]

I found a great place for Doctor referrals.

http://www.greenonlinedoctorevals.co...N7lyIQhJyJGVyU

$90 for Mon-Fri, but Saturdays are only $60.

The best part is, all appointments are done through video with Dr. Hightower. You either call in through your phone or use a webcam on a desktop/laptop.

There are also many, many time slots available at all times. My personal appt was at 9:10 PM and I see some available even later than that.

The entire process was smooth and easy to understand. I expect most of us to have basic computer skills, seeing as how this is the internet.

[Pete]

Here is an article from the Gazette about telemedicine in the cannabis space:

https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/c...nt?oid=6133005


Also, this is a link to the entire The High Culture (THC) section of the Gazette with all the stories listed from every issue:

https://www.okgazette.com/oklahoma/t...ry?oid=4942451