Local medical marijuana dispensaries share thoughts on new OMMA rules

TULSA, Okla. — FOX23 heard from local medical marijuana dispensaries about the new rules put in place across the state.

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) is sending out secret shoppers to ensure dispensaries follow the law and check people's medical cards.

Rules can sometimes sound like a bad thing or have a negative connotation, but all the businesses FOX23 spoke to were in support of the new secret shoppers and think that it will help business.

"We're not changing anything because we're not breaking any rules. I think it's good that there's secret shopping. Just to keep everyone honest,” said Ryan Omera, owner of Twisted Roots Dispensary near 51st and Yale.

Last week, new rules from the OMMA went into effect, including secret shoppers.

These shoppers go from store to store and make sure that dispensaries aren't selling marijuana to people without medical cards.

"I do not have a worry about it at all,” said Mahi Kawsar, manager at Dank Cannabis Dispensary near 21st and Sheridan.

Kawsar said the shoppers will show customers that his products are safe and legitimate.

"There are a lot of things coming like illegal growers. They're shutting down so many, it's like a black market. So it will stop the black market which is good for us and our business too,” Kawsar said.

Omera said the same thing that this sort of thing was needed in the medical marijuana industry.

"I don't see it being a burden on our end. I mean, it's just a secret shopper, they do it to bars too and they do it to other places. It's just in place to keep everyone honest and keep everything legit. Make sure everyone has a medical card. Then on our dispensary side, making sure our product isn't a black market product,” Omera said.

Another rule that OMMA is adding is prohibiting growers from hiring undocumented immigrants.