OKLAHOMA CITY – Sen. Darcy Jech, RKingfisher, said he appreciates Gov. Kevin Stitt after Senate Bill 913 was signed into law Thursday. Jech is the author of the measure, which will hold medical marijuana grows accountable by requiring them to submit a bond along with their application.
“Our state has had problems with marijuana grows abandoning land and leaving behind a mess,” Jech said. “This will set a minimum bond of $50,000 that can be used to restore the property in the event it is abandoned. Some grows may be required to have a higher bond depending on their reclamation requirements set by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority. Ultimately, this will help clean up valuable farmland that has been harmed by illegal operations and allows OMMA or any other appropriate state agency to recoup costs associated with the cleanup.”
“This legislation has been a work in progress and did not make it through last year. This gave us time to improve the bill and bring it back this year in its best form. I greatly appreciate Attorney General Drummond’s advice and assistance on this measure,” Jech said.