Oklahoma 2023 Regular Session

Oklahoma House Bill HB1734

Introduced
2/6/23  
Refer
2/7/23  
Report Pass
2/15/23  
Engrossed
3/8/23  
Refer
3/23/23  

Caption

Medical marijuana use; warning signage to be displayed in dispensaries for the use of THC products while pregnant; owners of any place where THC is sold to pay for the signage at their own expense; codification; effective date.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1734 would formally incorporate the requirement for health warnings into Oklahoma state law, specifically targeting dispensaries. This change in regulation implies a significant shift in how dispensaries approach public health messaging, obligating them to take direct responsibility for educating their customers about potential risks associated with THC consumption. Furthermore, by standardizing such warnings, the bill aims to enhance consumer awareness, potentially affecting purchasing decisions and usage patterns among pregnant individuals.

Summary

House Bill 1734 mandates that all dispensaries selling THC products display a warning sign regarding the potential health risks of consuming THC while pregnant. The legislation stipulates that these signs must be well visible, positioned in at least three locations in the dispensary, and must be produced at the owner's expense. This move is aimed at increasing public awareness about the implications of THC consumption during pregnancy, thus promoting safer practices among consumers and ensuring that critical health information is communicated effectively in places where such products are sold.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1734 appears to be generally supportive, reflecting a commitment to public health and awareness among lawmakers and advocates. Discussions emphasize the importance of informed consumer choices and protective measures for pregnant individuals. However, there may also be underlying concerns about the implications of regulatory burdens on dispensary operators, emphasizing the need for balancing public health goals with business impact.

Contention

While the bill seems to garner overall support, there may be points of contention regarding the financial burden placed on dispensary owners to produce these signs. Critics might argue that such requirements could disproportionately affect smaller operators or create operational challenges. Additionally, discussions around the adequacy of the warning wording or the need for further education campaigns on THC and pregnancy could also surface as potential areas of debate among stakeholders.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

OK HB2897

Medical marijuana; transportation license; allowing transport of medical marijuana to patients; warehouses; inventory manifests and logs; signage; effective date.

OK HB1734

Medical marijuana; requiring owners and employees of medical marijuana licensed businesses to submit to criminal background checks; emergency.

OK H5249

Mandates that a cannabis dispensary display the signage warning that the consumption of marijuana and THC products during pregnancy poses risks to infant development.

OK HB2646

Medical marijuana; clarifying duties of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority; codification; effective date.

OK SB1939

Medical marijuana; clarifying provisions for the transfer of licensing following change of ownership. Effective date.

OK SB518

Medical marijuana packaging; requiring certain warnings on labels. Effective date.

OK SB806

Medical marijuana; requiring verification of ownership or lease of a licensed medical marijuana business. Effective date.

OK SB806

Medical marijuana; requiring verification of ownership or lease of a licensed medical marijuana business. Effective date.

OK SB1737

Medical marijuana; requiring all medical marijuana commercial grower licensees to register as an environmentally sensitive crop owner; requiring commercial grower to display certain signage. Effective date.

OK HB2237

Medical marijuana; requiring employees of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries to apply for and receive medical marijuana credentials from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority; codification; effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.