Ready to secure your Oklahoma grower license when the moratorium ends in 2026?
Oklahoma’s medical cannabis industry has undergone dramatic transformation since the license moratorium began in 2022. With approximately 3,645 active Oklahoma grower license holders remaining as of July 2024—a striking 44% reduction from 6,497 licenses in July 2023—the market has consolidated significantly. Yet cannabis sales have remained stable at approximately $721 million annually, signaling a healthier, more sustainable industry.
For aspiring cultivators seeking an Oklahoma grower license, the moratorium ending on August 1, 2026 represents a significant opportunity to enter a more balanced market. Success requires understanding three critical components: the $50,000 surety bond requirement, tiered licensing fees based on canopy size, and comprehensive compliance obligations including Metrc seed-to-sale tracking. For a complete overview of all license types, see our comprehensive guide to Oklahoma cannabis licensing.
Oklahoma Grower License Moratorium Status
Current Oklahoma Grower License Moratorium Status
The Oklahoma grower license moratorium began August 26, 2022 under HB 3208. The legislature extended it through August 1, 2026 with HB 2095. This nearly four-year moratorium represents one of the most significant regulatory interventions in Oklahoma’s cannabis history, administered by the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA).
The moratorium affects new dispensary, grower, and processor licenses but does NOT impact current licensees—existing operators can continue to renew. Transport, research/education, and waste disposal licenses remain unaffected.
What This Means for New Oklahoma Grower License Applicants
The 44% reduction in Oklahoma grower license holders has fundamentally changed the cultivation landscape. An OMMA study found Oklahoma previously had 32 times more regulated cannabis than patient demand required.
For new Oklahoma grower license applicants, this consolidation presents opportunity. Reduced competition means entering a more sustainable market. Sales remaining stable at $721 million despite dramatic license reductions demonstrates genuine market demand.
Who Qualifies for an Oklahoma Grower License
Age and Residency Requirements for Oklahoma Grower License
Oklahoma requires all Oklahoma grower license applicants to be at least 25 years old. At least 75% of ownership must be held by Oklahoma residents. For business entities, all members, managers, and board members must be Oklahoma residents.
Background Check Requirements
All owners and officers must undergo OSBI background checks. Disqualifying offenses include:
- Nonviolent felony convictions within the last 2 years
- Any felony conviction within the last 5 years
Background checks are valid for 30 days from completion.
Required Oklahoma Grower License Documentation Checklist
- Proof of Oklahoma residency for all owners/members
- OSBI background check results for all owners and officers
- Proof of legal right to occupy premises
- Surety bond OR proof of 5-year land ownership
- Foreign Financial Interest Attestation (within 60 days of approval)
All Oklahoma grower license applications are submitted through the OMMA business licensing portal.
Oklahoma Grower License $50,000 Surety Bond Requirement
SB 913 Overview
Effective April 20, 2023, all commercial Oklahoma grower license holders require a $50,000 surety bond. The bond serves as financial security for enforcement, penalties, and disposal costs.
Two Options for Financial Security
Option 1: Surety Bond
Bond cost depends on credit profile. You can obtain an Oklahoma grower license surety bond through any Oklahoma Insurance Department licensed surety company:
| Credit Level | Rate | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Excellent | 1% | $500 |
| Average | 2-5% | $1,000-$2,500 |
| Poor | Up to 10% | $5,000 |
Bonds expiring during license period must be renewed at least 30 days before expiration.
Option 2: Land Ownership Documentation
Proof of 5+ years of property ownership at the licensed premises exempts operators from the surety bond requirement.
How to Submit Bond Documentation
Upload directly in the grower license application portal or email to OMMABonds@omma.ok.gov.
Oklahoma Grower License Tiered Fees by Canopy Size
Indoor and Greenhouse Oklahoma Grower License Fees
| Tier | Canopy Size | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 – 10,000 sq ft | $2,500 |
| 2 | 10,001 – 20,000 sq ft | $5,000 |
| 3 | 20,001 – 40,000 sq ft | $10,000 |
| 4 | 40,001 – 60,000 sq ft | $20,000 |
| 5 | 60,001 – 80,000 sq ft | $30,000 |
| 6 | 80,001 – 99,999 sq ft | $40,000 |
| 7 | 100,000+ sq ft | $50,000 + $0.25/sq ft over 100,000 |
Greenhouse: Completely covered outdoor structure with controlled light transmission. Light Deprivation: Structure with concrete floors and ability to manipulate natural light. Both are classified as “indoor” for fee calculation.
Outdoor Oklahoma Grower License Fees
| Tier | Acreage | Annual Fee |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Less than 2.5 acres | $2,500 |
| 2 | 2.5 – 5 acres | $5,000 |
| 3 | 5 – 10 acres | $10,000 |
| 4 | 10 – 20 acres | $20,000 |
| 5 | 20 – 30 acres | $30,000 |
| 6 | 30 – 40 acres | $40,000 |
| 7 | 40 – 50 acres | $50,000 |
| 8 | 50+ acres | $50,000 + $250/acre over 50 |
Canopy Measurement Guidelines
OMMA defines canopy as total surface area dedicated to flowering marijuana plants.
- Tiered/shelved growing systems: All tiers and shelves counted in total canopy area
- Vertical growing systems: Canopy measured by multiplying cylinder circumference by total length
- Combined operations: Separate licenses and fees required for indoor and outdoor
Oklahoma Grower License Location, Security, and Facility Requirements
School Setback Rules
- Required Setback: 1,000 feet from property line of any public or private school
- Measurement Method: Property line to property line
- Proposed Change: SB 640 (2025) would increase to 3,000 feet if enacted
- Grandfathering Provision: If school is established within 1,000 feet after license issuance, location remains valid
Physical Security Requirements
- Outdoor Areas and Greenhouses: 8-foot perimeter fence with spikes or barbed wire
- All Facilities: Specific door security requirements, biometric access controls on external locks
- Indoor Cultivation: Must be housed in building with complete roof enclosure on foundation or slab
Video Surveillance and Alarm Systems
Video Surveillance
- 24/7 coverage of all areas where cannabis is cultivated, processed, or handled
- 90-day video retention requirement
Alarm Systems
- Required security alarm system
- Must transmit signals to central station, local/state police, or 24-hour control station
Visibility: Growing and processing activities must be undetectable from outside.
Oklahoma Grower License Metrc Compliance and Operations
Metrc Seed-to-Sale System
- Training: At least one owner or key administrator must complete Metrc New Business class
- Plant Tags: RFID tags must be assigned at vegetative stage
- Package Tags: Adhesive labels with 24-digit identification for harvested products
- Daily Reconciliation: Inventory reconciled at close of business every day
- Testing Results: All transferred products must include testing results and COA in Metrc
Metrc support: 877-566-6506 or support@metrc.com. For detailed Metrc guidance, see our Oklahoma Metrc Compliance Guide.
Harvest Batch Limits
- Maximum batch size: 15 pounds per harvest batch
- Individual plant tagging: Each plant tagged and tracked through harvest
OBNDD Registration
- Registration required within 60 days of OMMA license approval
- Application Category: Medical Marijuana Manufacturer
- Fee: $2,500
- Annual Deadline: Registration renewal by October 31
Critical Consequences:
- Failure to complete OBNDD attestation within 60 days = automatic license revocation
- Missing October 31 deadline = cease operations and loss of Metrc access
Testing and Environmental Requirements
Testing
- Samples from each harvest/production batch submitted to OMMA-approved laboratories
- Primary and reserve samples required
- Products must be tested before transfer
Environmental Compliance (ODAFF)
- Use only EPA-registered pesticides approved by ODAFF
- Maintain pesticide documentation for at least 2 years
- Retain all licensing, facility, testing documents for at least 5 years
- Outdoor growers must register with ODAFF as environmentally sensitive crop owners
Oklahoma Grower License Processing Timeline
- Processing Time: 90 business days for commercial Oklahoma grower license applications
- License Validity: 1 year from approval date
- Renewal: Required annually
- Transporter License: Issued simultaneously with approved Oklahoma grower license
GrowerIQ for Oklahoma Grower License Holders
Seamless Metrc Integration
GrowerIQ eliminates Metrc complexity for Oklahoma grower license holders through direct integration:
- Automatic synchronization between cultivation records and Metrc
- Plant tag management with RFID tracking
- Real-time inventory reconciliation
- Package creation workflows ensuring proper documentation
- Compliance reporting and audit trails
Comprehensive Cultivation Management
- Clone/seed to harvest tracking
- Environmental monitoring integration
- Task management and SOPs
- Harvest batch management (15-pound limit compliance)
- Yield tracking and analytics
Key Takeaways
- Moratorium Ends August 1, 2026: New Oklahoma grower license applications will be accepted starting this date after nearly four years of moratorium
- $50,000 Surety Bond Required: Annual premiums range from $500-$5,000 based on credit, or prove 5+ years land ownership for exemption
- Tiered Fees by Canopy: License fees range from $2,500 (Tier 1) to $50,000+ for large operations, plus $2,500 OBNDD registration
- Strict Compliance Obligations: Daily Metrc reconciliation, 90-day video retention, OBNDD registration within 60 days, and OSBI background checks required
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I apply for a new Oklahoma grower license?
New applications will be accepted beginning August 1, 2026 when the moratorium ends.
How much does an Oklahoma grower license cost in total?
License fees range from $2,500 (Tier 1) to $50,000+ for large operations. Add the $50,000 surety bond ($500-$5,000 annual premium) and $2,500 OBNDD registration. A small indoor operation with good credit expects approximately $5,500-$6,000 in first-year regulatory costs.
Can I avoid the surety bond requirement?
Yes, with proof of 5+ years property ownership at the licensed premises.
What are residency requirements for an Oklahoma grower license?
At least 75% of ownership must be held by Oklahoma residents. All members, managers, and board members must be Oklahoma residents.
Do I need separate Oklahoma grower licenses for indoor and outdoor cultivation?
Yes. Separate Oklahoma grower license fees and applications are required for each type of cultivation operation.
Conclusion
Obtaining an Oklahoma grower license requires preparation across multiple requirements: $50,000 surety bond, tiered licensing fees ($2,500-$50,000+), security requirements (8-foot fencing, biometric access, 24/7 video with 90-day retention), and Metrc seed-to-sale tracking with daily reconciliation.
The moratorium ending August 1, 2026 provides a clear target for new Oklahoma grower license applicants. With 44% fewer licenses and stable sales around $721 million, the consolidated market offers improved economics for well-prepared operators. For comprehensive information on all Oklahoma cannabis license types, visit our complete guide to Oklahoma cannabis licensing.
Ready to Build a Compliant Oklahoma Cultivation Operation?
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