A rule that requires medical cannabis businesses in Oklahoma to utilize a Metrc seed-to-sale tracking system has been suspended for 60 days, following orders from a State judge. 

Initially, regulators made a contract for the service to be used by all cannabis companies. However, the recent order by Special Judge Pandee Ramirez of the Okmulgee County District Court prohibits use of the system for the next two months; at least.

According to orders from the judge, the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is no longer permitted to ask medical cannabis companies to buy plant tags and related products from Metrc.

About the lawsuit to halt Oklahoma’s seed-to-sale tracking system

The process of suspending Oklahoma’s seed-to-sale requirements emerged following a lawsuit. Filed in Okmulgee County District Court by DR Z Leaf of Tulsa, the suit seeks class action status. Specifically, it interrogates the Oklahoma State Department of Health for stepping beyond its legal boundaries in regards to implementing a seed-to-sale program. 

Additionally, the lawsuit – which seeks to delay the April 30 implementation of a seed-to-sale program in Oklahoma – demands that the program receive financial backing from more than 10,000 medical cannabis licensees. 

Dr. Z Leaf’s attorney contested that regulators wrongly granted Metrc control over the service; its legality is being questioned. The contract between Florida-based Metrc and the State of Oklahoma supposedly “constitutes the creation of an unlawful monopoly.”

The operator of Dr. Z Leaf, Beau Zoellner, claims that his business already maintains a solid partnership with a fellow seed-to-sale provider that doesn’t necessitate product tag purchasing from customers.

Judge will return to the case regarding Oklahoma’s seed-to-sale tracking system on June 29

A report by The Oklahoman confirmed that Judge Pandee Ramirez will reassume control over the case on June 29. In the meantime, until the 60-day suspension is over, the OMMA cannot force businesses to use Metrc. 

Nonetheless, monthly compliance reports must still be submitted by cannabis businesses operating in the state, of which will still be able to use Metrc if they so desire.

State data shows that a total of 10,587 medical cannabis business licenses were actively being used as of March 2. Oklahoma’s medical cannabis market has been in effect since 2018. Best industry practices have been solidified through the implementation of additional regulations.