How to Become a Medical Marijuana Caregiver in Oklahoma

Oklahoman voters legalized medical cannabis access in 2018 with the approval of State Question 788.  Adult-use cannabis remains illegal, with penalties ranging from one year in prison to a maximum fine of $1,000, so it's no wonder that over 400,000 Oklahomans have registered for a medical cannabis card. That’s almost 10% of the population!

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) oversees Oklahoma’s medical marijuana program as part of its regulatory agency role. One of the primary benefits patients enjoy is the ability to designate a caregiver.

Per the OMMA rules a medical marijuana caregiver may acquire, cultivate, and administer cannabis to a qualifying patient, but the caregiver must register with the OMMA before beginning these duties. 

Caregivers are an essential part of Oklahoma's medical marijuana marketplace. They care for incapacitated adults and children with debilitating illnesses who need help acquiring and administering their cannabis. However, caregivers need to understand that their rights and responsibilities are very different from a patient's rights.

Keep reading to learn more about these responsibilities, and how to become a medical marijuana caregiver in Oklahoma.

How to Get Your Caregiver Certification in Oklahoma

Oklahoma makes the process to become a medical marijuana caregiver certification is fairly simple. You'll need to work with your intended patient and their physician to complete the process. There are resources available if they have questions about how to get or renew their Oklahoma medical card, or they can contact NuggMD Oklahoma for support.

Here's an overview of the steps you'll need to take to get registered:

1. Ensure your intended patient asks their doctor for caregiver approval at their certification appointment. Oklahoma requires patients to get documentation from their certifying doctor that they need a caregiver.  You won't be able to register without this documentation.
2. Create an account on the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority website. Once you’ve completed the Medical Marijuana Caregiver Application, review it for accuracy to speed up the process.
3. Sign the Caregiver Designation Form along with your designated patient. This form establishes the caregiver relationship. If the patient is under 18, the form should be completed by the parent or legal guardian.
4. Submit the application. Once you submit the necessary documentation, your application will be reviewed by the OMMA. 
5. Receive your Oklahoma medical marijuana caregiver license. The OMMA typically processes applications within 14 days, depending on how many people apply. 

To make your application process easier, it’s best to prepare your personal information ahead of time. You'll need to provide the following on your application:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Email address
• Phone number
• Primary telephone number
• Residential and mailing address
• Designated patient’s name
• Caregiver applicant’s signature
• Complete medical marijuana license number from the designated patient’s medical marijuana license

In addition, you will provide a number of documents to become an MMJ caregiver in Oklahoma, including:

• Identity verification (e.g., state-issued ID, driver’s license, passport, or tribal identification card.)
• Proof of residence (e.g., lease or rental agreement, mortgage papers, utility bills, etc.
• Color digital photograph similar to passport-style that is taken within the last 30 days.
• Caregiver Designation Form featuring your designated patient’s signature. A  parent’s/guardian’s signature is necessary for minors.

Remember that the cannabis you obtain for your patient can only be used by the patient. It's illegal to give this cannabis to anyone else or use it yourself.  For further inquiries about how to become a caregiver in Oklahoma, such as who to notify with card and address changes, contact the OMMA.

What is a Medicinal Marijuana Caregiver (and Who Qualifies in Oklahoma)?

Allowed by law to support up to five patients at a time, designated caregivers help minors and disabled medical cannabis patients throughout the treatment process. Patients unable to care for themselves can appoint only one caregiver to assist their treatment. 

To become a medical marijuana caregiver in Oklahoma, a person must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a family member or assistant who regularly cares for the patient
2. Be at least 18 years of age or older
3. Be an Oklahoma resident
4. Be designated by the patient on their application

Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Laws for MMJ Caregivers and Patients

Designating an OK Medical Cannabis Caregiver

A medical marijuana caregiver in Oklahoma can care for up to five patients at a time. Patients who need caregivers can only designate one caregiver at a time, except for minor patients who can designate two caregivers. This does not, however, double the number of plants that can be cultivated for the minor patient.

A board-certified physician's signature is necessary for patients to designate a medical cannabis caregiver in Oklahoma.

Cultivating Cannabis as a Caregiver in Oklahoma

An MMJ caregiver may cultivate up to six mature plants and six immature plants for each of their patients. Only six adult plants and six mature plants may be cultivated for  a minor patient even if the patient has designated two caregivers.

Per Oklahoma’s legal medical cannabis law, SQ 788, grow sites:

• Shall be inaccessible to the general public or minors
• Can't be in plain sight of the general public
• Must be on property owned by the cultivator or rentals only with the property owner's express written permission

Learn more about Oklahoma’s cannabis laws and regulations, explore qualifying conditions in the state, and find answers to common OK patient questions.