THE SICKENING CONSEQUENCES OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA LEGALIZATION

The far-reaching effects of medical marijuana legalization in Oklahoma

 

By Corky Schalchlin

Texas Narcotic Officers Association

May 14, 2025

                

TNOA Members,

I received the following report from Keith Brown, Executive Director of Texoma HIDTA, and wanted to share it with you. This comprehensive study examines the far-reaching effects of medical marijuana legalization in Oklahoma since 2018. The findings are particularly concerning—especially regarding youth access, organized crime, and public health impacts.

You can access the full report at the following link:
Texoma HIDTA Website – OK MARIJUANA REPORT

Below is a summary of the 2025 Texoma HIDTA Oklahoma Marijuana Report:

Key Findings

Medical Marijuana Industry

• Oklahoma has 12x more growers and 5x more dispensaries than Colorado.

• Massive oversupply: over 32 times the amount needed for licensed patients.

• Oversupply has driven illicit market diversion, with licensed operators implicated.

Youth Marijuana Use

• Youth now rank #3 in the U.S. for past-month use (previously #43).

• 73% increase in youth use since 2018.

• 56% of 12th graders and 43% of 10th graders say marijuana is easy to get.

• Access is often through peers or parents with medical cards.

Adult Use Trends

• Use among 18–25-year-olds rose 55%; for adults 26+, 188%.

• Oklahoma moved from #42 to #11 nationally in adult use.

Law Enforcement Impacts

• Marijuana seizures up 4,166%; plant seizures up 69,573% since 2018.

• Chinese criminal organizations involved in fraud, trafficking, and human exploitation.

Health and Treatment

• Emergency room visits and poisonings in children under 5 have surged.

• Poison control call increases:

  • 2,529% for ages 0–5

  • 381% for ages 6–19

  • 338% for adults

• 73% of youth in treatment cite marijuana as their primary drug.

• Marijuana ranks third in adult treatment admissions, after meth and alcohol.

Additional Trends

• Cannabinoids were the most commonly detected drug in 2020–2023 cases.

• Violent crime increased 103%, drug violations up 48% since 2019.

• Marijuana-involved traffic fatalities are on the rise.

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Conclusion

The report highlights major concerns in public safety, youth access, and health outcomes tied to marijuana legalization. It also outlines serious regulatory gaps and the growing role of transnational criminal groups in exploiting the system.

Please take time to review the full report. It’s a valuable resource as we continue to monitor the evolving drug landscape across our region.