High Times reports
Two Republican lawmakers in Oklahoma, Sen. Darcy Jech (R-Kingfisher) and Rep. Anthony Moore (R-Clinton), sponsored a bill that would impose a $50,000 bond in order to gain a grow license. Gov. Kevin Still signed the bill on April 20.
The reason for the bill is a pile-up of abandoned properties of grow operations that didn’t make it for one reason or another.
“Our state has had many problems with marijuana grows abandoning land and leaving behind a large mess,” Jech said. “This will set a minimum bond amount of $50,000 that can be used to restore the property in the event it is abandoned, or the operation loses its license. Some grows may be required to have a higher bond depending on their reclamation requirements set by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). 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.”
Senate Bill 913 will force cannabis grow businesses to purchase a $50,000 bond from the state that functions similarly to a security deposit. If a grower abandons their property, violates a law or loses their license, the deposit money will be used to restore the property and correct any environmental damage.
News on 6 reports that growers of all kinds will be forced to pay the deposit under the new law.
Indoor, greenhouse, or light deprivation medical cannabis grow facilities are organized under seven tiers—the largest of which will have to pay an additional $250 per acre on top of the $50,000 deposit. Outdoor medical cannabis grow facilities are organized into eight tiers, and the largest ones will also have to pay an additional $250 per acre. Medical cannabis processor licensees are divided into five tiers.
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Oklahoma Growers To Pay $50K Deposit for License Under New Law
