OPINION/COLUMN
As you all are aware, the legislature is in the interim period, which is the best time for lawmakers to do deeper research into issues so that they can craft legislation for the following session. These interim studies bring together all stakeholders to discuss these topics, and they provide a forum for people to share their experiences about the issues.
One issue I will continue working on during the legislative interim is finding a practical solution to Oklahoma’s growing problem of abandoned medical marijuana grow facilities. Last interim, I hosted a study about these cleanup efforts, or lack thereof, and the effects they have on our communities.
From that study, I crafted legislation during this year’s legislative session, which would have established cleanup requirements for medical marijuana grow operations after a license expires, is revoked or becomes inactive. Unfortunately, because of timing, the measure did not receive a hearing before final adjournment, and we were unable to get it across the finish line.
That is why, this year, I have requested Interim Study 26-063, which will focus on abandoned medical marijuana grow sites and project management. My goal is to bring everyone to the table so we can develop a solution that is both effective and workable. When grow operations are abandoned, they often leave behind trash, hazardous materials, damaged buildings and environmental concerns that affect neighboring landowners and entire communities. It is time for us to all come to the table and identify the correct project management tools and needed items to keep our communities thriving.
For this study, I will be meeting with all of the stakeholders involved, including state agencies, like the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), law enforcement, local officials and landowners and business owners. It is important that we develop legislation that clearly outlines responsibilities and protects property owners, while giving our communities the tools they need to address these abandoned sites.
The vast majority of business owners want to operate responsibly, but those who walk away from their properties leave others to deal with the consequences. We need clear expectations that require operators to properly clean up after themselves, so these locations do not become public safety or environmental hazards.
Finding the right solution takes time and collaboration, but I believe we can get there. I look forward to hosting this study and will share updates when they become available.
Looking ahead to America’s 250th birthday, I hope everyone is excited to celebrate this remarkable milestone with family and friends. Please remember how lucky we are to have each other as neighbors and know how grateful I am to represent our great district!
If you ever have a question or concern, I would love to hear from you! You can email me at cynthia.roe@okhouse.gov, or you can call my office at (405) 557-7365. I continue to pray for you daily.
Rep. Cynthia Roe, a Republican, represents House District 42 in the Oklahoma House of Representatives. Her district includes portions of Cleveland, Garvin and McClain counties.
