SB 710 Summary

• Creates the Oklahoma Compassionate Use Act of 2013, establishing a state medical marijuana program allowing qualified patients to possess and cultivate cannabis with a physician's recommendation.

• Establishes identification card program administered by the State Department of Health, with county health departments processing applications for qualified patients and designated caregivers.

• Defines "serious medical conditions" qualifying for medical cannabis use, including AIDS, ALS, cancer, chronic pain, epilepsy, PTSD, autism, and other chronic diseases that substantially limit major life activities.

• Permits qualified patients to possess up to 8 ounces of dried cannabis and maintain up to 12 plants, with flexibility for higher amounts based on physician recommendation.

• Authorizes medical cannabis dispensing centers, cultivators, delivery services, laboratories, and manufacturers to operate under state licensing, with annual license fees ranging from $100 to $15,000 depending on entity type and capacity.

• Prohibits employer discrimination against qualified patients based on status or positive cannabis test results (except in safety-sensitive positions) and protects property seized from qualified patients during law enforcement actions.

• Effective date: November 1, 2013.