Anwälte aus Oklahoma fechten die Behauptungen des Staates über die Überproduktion von Cannabis an

A group advocating for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Oklahoma is disputing the state’s claims regarding cannabis overproduction. Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action assert that the state’s figures have been exaggerated, particularly those found in a report by the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, which was commissioned by Senator Lankford.

The group acknowledges the presence of illegal grow operations associated with criminal activities in Oklahoma. However, they believe that the conclusions drawn by this report are misleading. Jed Greene from Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action stated that the report’s findings are “patently false” and called for a reevaluation of the data. He emphasized that the oversupply claims should be viewed with skepticism.

Greene noted that Oklahoma currently produces 32 times the amount of marijuana needed for legal use. He explained that the report’s figures are based on freshly cut cannabis plants, which lose up to 75% of their weight once dried. This means that the actual supply is significantly lower than reported. He further criticized the study for not accounting for stalks, stems, and leaves that are typically composted or wasted, nor for what is used in cannabis concentrates.

Additionally, the report links an uptick in violent crime in Oklahoma to marijuana-related criminal activities. Greene pointed out that the data used in the study spans from 2019 to 2023, a period that includes the pandemic when many social issues, including domestic violence and property crimes, were heightened due to quarantine conditions. He argued that such context should be considered when interpreting the findings.

Lastly, Greene addressed concerns about teen fatalities involving marijuana. He explained that testing for THC metabolites does not prove impairment at the time of the incident, as these metabolites can remain in a person’s system for up to three weeks after consumption. Both Oklahomans for Responsible Cannabis Action and Greene reached out to Senator Lankford’s office for comment but received no response.