.png)
Cannabis organizations have launched a petition urging the state's Supreme Court to overturn House Bill 2179. This controversial law introduced a tiered licensing system for cannabis growers and processors. The law officially went into effect on June 1st.
Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action and several cannabis businesses have launched a petition against the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.
Cannabis businesses in the state used to pay a fee of $2,500, but under the new law, they may now face fees as high as $50,000.
A petition has been filed arguing that the state's new fee structure is in violation of the Constitution. The petition highlights that the law, which aims to raise revenue through tax, unfairly targets certain businesses while exempting others. According to the petition, this selective treatment is against the prohibition on special laws outlined in the state constitution.
Critics also argue that the bill should not have become law because it did not receive the necessary supermajority vote that is required for a revenue bill to pass.
Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action expressed their hope that the Supreme Court will directly take up this constitutional question without the need to go through the district court. They believe that the Supreme Court has already addressed similar questions in the past.
House Bill 2179 is aimed at increasing fees. It is important to note that the state's cannabis program has consistently generated revenue since its inception, contrary to concerns raised by seven lawmakers who feared it would result in a $40 million annual deficit for regulation.
The battle over House Bill 2179 in Oklahoma's cannabis industry continues as cannabis organizations rally against the newly implemented tiered licensing system. With the launch of a petition urging the state's Supreme Court to overturn the law, these organizations are challenging the constitutionality of the fee structure. The argument highlights the selective treatment of certain businesses and the absence of the required supermajority vote for a revenue bill.
As the petition makes its case, Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action express optimism that the Supreme Court will directly address this constitutional question. Meanwhile, despite concerns raised by some lawmakers, the state's cannabis program has consistently generated revenue, debunking fears of a substantial deficit in regulation. The coming days will reveal the fate of House Bill 2179 and its potential impact on the state's cannabis industry.
.png)
.png)