Oklahoma Governor Proposes Shutting Down Medical Marijuana Program

Critics warn of public health risks and economic fallout if the state rolls back legal cannabis.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has proposed shutting down the state's medical marijuana program, citing concerns over rising crime and drug cartel activity since the program was legalized in 2018. The governor's office claims the program has led to an increase in human trafficking and other illicit activities, though critics argue that rolling back legal cannabis could have severe public health and economic consequences for the state.

Why it matters

Oklahoma's medical marijuana program has been a major economic driver for the state, generating hundreds of millions in tax revenue and creating thousands of jobs. Shutting down the program could devastate the state's cannabis industry and lead to significant job losses. There are also concerns that eliminating legal access to medical marijuana could push patients back to the illicit market, exposing them to unregulated and potentially dangerous products.

The details

Governor Stitt's proposal would involve repealing the state's medical marijuana laws and revoking all existing licenses and permits. The governor's office claims the program has been exploited by drug cartels, leading to a rise in violent crime and human trafficking. However, industry advocates argue that the state's regulatory framework has been effective at keeping the legal market secure and separate from the illicit trade.

  • Oklahoma voters approved medical marijuana in 2018.
  • Governor Stitt has proposed shutting down the program in 2026.

The players

Governor Kevin Stitt

The current Governor of Oklahoma who has proposed shutting down the state's medical marijuana program.

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority

The state agency responsible for regulating and overseeing Oklahoma's medical cannabis industry.

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What they’re saying

“We must protect Oklahomans from the dangers of the illicit drug trade that has infiltrated our state's medical marijuana program.”

— Governor Kevin Stitt (Tulsa World)

“Shutting down the medical marijuana program would be a devastating blow to patients and businesses across the state. This proposal is misguided and could have severe public health and economic consequences.”

— Chip Baker, Executive Director, Oklahoma Cannabis Industry Association (Tulsa World)

What’s next

The Oklahoma legislature will need to consider and vote on Governor Stitt's proposal to shut down the state's medical marijuana program. If approved, the program would likely be phased out over the course of several months.

The takeaway

Oklahoma's medical marijuana program has been a major economic driver for the state, but the governor's proposal to shut it down due to concerns over crime and drug cartel activity has sparked fierce opposition from the cannabis industry. The debate over the program's future will likely continue to play out in the state legislature and courts.