The medical ganja space in Oklahoma is not exactly a place where one can start business just because they have a good product or a good business plan. There is a lot that goes into your OMMA license renewal. The law that surrounds this industry is elaborate, in a state of constant change and if you’re not familiar with the law, there is a lot that could go wrong. Whether you are intending to expand, streamline, or establish a dispensary, having an attorney is a must.
Rules Aren’t Just Rules-they are Landmines
The medical cannabis business in Oklahoma is governed by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) and they do not take infraction lightly. Whether it’s seed-to-sale tracking, labeling or testing requirements, you can have dozens of compliance points, with a simple error turning into a serious challenge. Attorneys who are familiar with this area can identify weak links in your business ahead of time so they don’t turn into complicated legal issues.
You do not want to discover that you have misunderstood a zoning regulation or botched up an insurance provision after you have already spent thousands of dollars to locate a place or develop a property. An attorney can assist in ensuring that your business proposal is sound in both legally and financially.
Licensing Is Not a Form of Paperwork
It all sounds easy until you get to the part of the actual application. The ownership disclosures, criminal background checks, evidence of residence requirements and zoning verification letters need to be provided. The slightest detail left out could slow down your application by weeks, or cause your application to be rejected altogether.
An attorney can take you through the application process, step-by-step. They can not only help you with your initial filing, but also guide you later on if a business partner withdraws, you need to make changes to your business structure or when you need to deal with OMMA license renewal after the first year. These steps can become a real mess within a short time, if you provide the wrong information or you don’t keep up with your records and filings.
Your Plans Can be Overruled by Local Laws
Being licensed by OMMA does not imply that you will be able to establish shop in your city or county. The local authorities may also add more restrictions to the location and business of medical cannabis. A good number of cities have buffer zones along school or residential areas, and even local moratoriums.
Attorneys can assist in reviewing city ordinances and collaborate with city planning departments prior to you signing a lease or purchase. In the absence of this procedure, you may end up with a license that you cannot use in your chosen area of business.
Contracts are More Than You Know
Handshake deals and agreements that have no foundation will not work in a new competitive market. Whether you deal with growers, vendors, or employees, one of the quickest methods a ganja business can find itself in trouble is having a poorly written contract. The issue of ownership, payment or IP disagreements can derail your operation. A good attorney can assist you in writing and revising contracts that are simple, enforceable and unique to this industry. They can also keep you from moving forward with any deals you are thinking about that could cause you and your business issues in the future.
Final Thoughts
Legal support is not a box to check when entering the legal environment of medical cannabis in Oklahoma, it is a part of the platform. The industry is a new one and the rules change frequently. An attorney can ensure that your investment is not endangered due to state and local laws. Legal help from the start will allow you to grow your business the right way, avoiding common issues when renewing your OMMA license and much more.