Oklahoma legalized medical marijuana in 2018, and since then, patients with qualifying conditions have had access to the health benefits of cannabis. However, for home-bound or very ill patients, accessing medical marijuana can be a challenge.
That’s where caregivers come in — they help individuals who cannot access medical marijuana themselves and provide vital assistance to those most in need.
For those of you considering becoming a licensed caregiver for a qualifying patient, the process may seem daunting at first. You must have all your ducks in a row, from understanding the qualifications required to finding out what documents are needed and where to submit them.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry — this article is here to help. We’ll take a comprehensive look at the steps required to become a licensed caregiver in Oklahoma and provide helpful tips along the way.
Table OF Content
- 1 What is a Medical Marijuana Caregiver?
- 2 How to Become a Caregiver for a Medical Marijuana Patient in Oklahoma
- 3 Documents and Information Required for Caregiver Licensure
- 4 Oklahoma Guidelines for Medical Cannabis Caregivers and Patients
- 5 What Are the Possession Limits for MMJ Caregivers in Oklahoma?
- 6 Your Patient Needs Medical Marijuana Certification, We Can Help
What is a Medical Marijuana Caregiver?
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of becoming a licensed caregiver, let’s go over what a medical marijuana caregiver is.
A medical marijuana caregiver is an individual designated by a qualifying patient as the person responsible for obtaining, possessing, delivering, and administering medical marijuana to the qualifying patient.
Caregivers are authorized to purchase medicinal cannabis products from approved dispensaries on behalf of the qualifying patient, as well as cultivate plants in accordance with state law.
In Oklahoma, a caregiver must be a family member or someone who regularly looks after the qualifying patient. Caregiver licenses are tied exclusively to those patients — caregivers cannot distribute medical marijuana to anyone outside of their designated patients indiscriminately.
How to Become a Caregiver for a Medical Marijuana Patient in Oklahoma
Now that you understand what a medical marijuana caregiver is, let’s talk about how to become one. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:
- Make sure your designated patient has a doctor’s recommendation stating that they qualify for the medicinal use of marijuana and need a caregiver to help them access it. Otherwise, your caregiver application will not be approved.
- Create an account on the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority website and fill out the Medical Marijuana Caregiver Application. Make sure that all of your information is accurate and up-to-date — any discrepancies can delay your application or result in it being denied altogether.
- Make sure that both you and your designated patient sign the Caregiver Designation Form to establish your relationship.
- Submit the application along with the necessary documentation.
- Once your application is approved, you will be mailed your Oklahoma medical marijuana caregiver license. The OMMA usually takes 14 days to process applications, but your wait time may vary depending on the volume of applications received.
Once you receive your license, you’ll be able to purchase medical marijuana from an approved dispensary on behalf of your designated patient. Keep in mind that as a caregiver, you will not have access to any of the products purchased — those are for personal use by the qualifying patient only.
Documents and Information Required for Caregiver Licensure
In addition to your completed application, you’ll need to provide relevant documents and information to verify your identity and that of the qualified patient.
The personal information required for your Oklahoma medical marijuana caregiver application includes:
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Email address
- Phone number
- Main telephone number
- Residential and mailing address
- Name of the designated patient
- Signature of caregiver applicant
- Full medical marijuana license number on the designated patient’s medical marijuana license
Apart from this, you will also need to provide the following documents:
- Proof of identity (driver’s license, passport, state-issued ID, or tribal identification card)
- Proof of residence (utility bill, mortgage document or statement, lease or rental agreement, or another valid form of proof)
- Colorized digital photo (a passport-style photograph taken in the last 30 days)
- Caregiver Designation Form signed by your designated patient or parents/guardians (for minors)
Oklahoma Guidelines for Medical Cannabis Caregivers and Patients
Like most US states that have legalized medical marijuana, Oklahoma has strict guidelines for caregivers and patients.
Caregivers in the state have nearly all the same legal rights as fully-licensed medical marijuana patients, such as being able to store, transport, and administer marijuana products. However, they are not allowed to use these products themselves unless they also have a medical marijuana license.
Under current legislation, only a family member or assistant who regularly works with the patient is allowed to become a caregiver. In order for this to happen, the designated patient must receive a doctor’s recommendation stating that having a caregiver is necessary. Otherwise, no license will be granted.
Additionally, even though a medical marijuana caregiver license is valid for 2 years, the designated patient can withdraw it at any time for any reason. The patient’s physician can also terminate the caregiver license at any time if they feel it is no longer necessary.
What Are the Possession Limits for MMJ Caregivers in Oklahoma?
As mentioned earlier, medical marijuana caregivers have similar rights and responsibilities as fully-licensed patients in Oklahoma. This also includes possession limits, which are set by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) and include:
- Up to 3 ounces of usable marijuana
- Up to 6 immature plants
- Up to 6 mature plants
- Up to 1 ounce of concentrated marijuana
- Up to 72 ounces of edible marijuana products
- Up to 8 ounces of marijuana in their residence
Note that as per the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana and Patient Protection Act, the possession limits mentioned above for patients and caregivers are designated as cumulative. This means that either party can possess any combination of the items mentioned as long as it does not exceed the respective limit.
Also you can read What are the qualifying conditions to access cannabis in Oklahoma?
Your Patient Needs Medical Marijuana Certification, We Can Help
Becoming a medical marijuana caregiver in Oklahoma is not a complicated process as long as you have all your ducks in a row. Of course, without a medical marijuana certification from a qualified doctor, there can’t be any caregiver license. That’s where we come in.
At Oklahoma Cannabis Card, our state-certified doctors can assess your designated patient’s condition and recommend medical marijuana if appropriate. We make the process easy and convenient, providing online consultations with full telemedicine support. Moreover, our services are fully compliant with the OMMA guidelines.
Start your journey to becoming an MMJ caregiver in Oklahoma today. Sign up with us now and get your designated patient their medical marijuana certification!
