Medical marijuana grows are suing over safety inspection requirements in Oklahoma – Cannabis Business Executive

Medical marijuana grows in Oklahoma have been told time is up to get in compliance with fire and building codes.

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control is now refusing to renew their registrations unless they submit proof they have passed inspection.

Three manufacturers sued Jan. 29 after they were given 30 days to request administrative hearings to produce the required paperwork.

The bureau sent letters Jan. 19 to 2,176 marijuana businesses, according to the lawsuit. The marijuana grows complained that the state fire marshal’s office can’t keep up with inspections through no fault of its own.

Suing are Lucky Rhino Farms, which is in Pittsburg County, and two other grows. Their lawsuit is asking an Oklahoma County judge to order the bureau not to penalize grows over the issue until the state fire marshal clears the backlog.

A hearing on the lawsuit is set for April 4.

Oklahoma attorney general describes ‘a culture of noncompliance’ with building codes in marijuana industry

Fires at marijuana businesses led to a safety crackdown in 2023. Attorney General Gentner Drummond complained in September there is “a culture of rampant noncompliance” with building codes in the marijuana industry.

[Read more at The Oklahoman]