Do you know what credentials your employees need to legally work in Oklahoma’s cannabis industry?
Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials are mandatory for the estimated 16,000 to 17,000 workers across the state’s medical cannabis industry. With Oklahoma ranking ninth nationally for cannabis jobs and boasting the highest per-capita dispensary count at 36 dispensaries per 100,000 residents, proper worker credentialing is essential for compliance.
Senate Bill 1704, signed into law by Governor Stitt in 2022, established the employee credentialing framework with applications opening January 1, 2024. Every worker handling cannabis at licensed facilities must now obtain Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials from the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA). This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about OMMA worker licenses, background checks, badge requirements, and renewal processes for obtaining your Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials.
Who Needs Oklahoma Cannabis Employee Credentials
Under SB 1704 and OMMA Rules, an employee is defined by their duties rather than formal employment status. Understanding who requires credentials is essential for compliance at any licensed facility.
Workers Required to Have Credentials
All employees of licensed businesses including dispensaries, processors, growers, and transportation companies must be credentialed. This applies whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal.
Independent contractors who handle plants are required to obtain credentials if their work involves direct contact with marijuana plants or products, operating equipment used in cannabis processing, or working directly on licensed premises.
Consultants performing employee duties cannot avoid credentialing by structuring engagement as consulting. If they handle cannabis, they need credentials.
Multi-location workers use the same credential across all employer locations, but each location must add them to the Employee Roster.
Who Is Exempt from Employee Credentials
Business owners are covered under their commercial business license and do not need separate employee credentials.
Consultants who do not handle plants (business planning, marketing, accounting, legal advice) are exempt from the credentialing requirement.
Third-party vendors (security companies, HVAC technicians, IT specialists) who enter facilities but do not handle marijuana are also exempt.
How to Apply for Oklahoma Cannabis Employee Credentials
The application process involves several steps through the OMMA MedPortal. Plan to begin 4-6 weeks before your intended start date to ensure adequate processing time.
Step 1: Create OMMA MedPortal Account
Access the OMMA MedPortal for individuals at portal.omma.ok.gov. Create an individual applicant account separate from any patient or business accounts you may have.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before starting your application, collect the following documents:
- Government-issued photo ID: Driver’s license, state ID, or passport (current and not expired)
- Current photograph: Taken within last six months
- OSBI background check results: Dated within 30 days of OMMA application submission
- Attestation Regarding National Background Check form: OMMA form satisfying national background check requirement
Step 3: Complete OSBI Background Check
The OSBI background check is critical. The fee is $15 and results are typically available quickly. Important: The background check must be dated within 30 days of OMMA application submission. Do not obtain it too early, or you may need to repeat the process.
Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees
Log into the OMMA portal and upload all required documents, complete personal information fields, and pay the $30 application fee plus processing charges.
Processing fees:
- Credit or debit card: $2.72 additional
- Electronic check (E-check): $1.00 additional
Total cost: Approximately $47.72 to $48.72 (including $15 OSBI background check fee)
Step 5: Wait for Approval
OMMA reviews your application. If approved, your physical credential card will be mailed to the address provided. Your credential number is also available in your licensing portal profile.
Background Check Requirements
OSBI Background Check Details
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) background check is a critical requirement for Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials. The specifications include:
- Type: Name-based criminal background check
- Cost: $15
- Validity: Must be dated within 30 days of OMMA application submission
- Purpose: Verify no disqualifying criminal convictions
National Background Check Attestation
Oklahoma has progressively strengthened background check requirements through recent legislation:
HB 2095 (2023) introduced the national background check requirement with an attestation form as an interim solution.
SB 758 (2024), signed June 14, 2024, mandated fingerprint-based national background checks through OSBI.
HB 1734 (2024) reinforced fingerprint submission requirements for both business owners and employees.
Currently, the Attestation Regarding National Background Check form meets the requirement while fingerprint-based systems are fully implemented.
Disqualifying Criminal Convictions
Automatic Disqualifiers:
- Non-violent felony convictions within last 2 years
- Violent felony convictions within last 5 years (Title 57 O.S. Section 571(2))
- Drug trafficking offenses within last 5 years
- Currently incarcerated at time of application
Case-by-Case Evaluation: Other criminal offenses are evaluated individually. If denied, OMMA provides written reasons for the denial.
Appeal Process
Understanding the difference between rejection and denial is important:
- Rejection means an incomplete application. You have 30 days to correct and resubmit.
- Denial means OMMA determined you do not meet requirements. File an appeal directly with OMMA.
Badge Display Rules and Employer Responsibilities
Physical Credential Requirements
Upon approval of your Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials, OMMA mails a physical credential card displaying:
- Full name
- OMMA credential number
- Expiration date
- Photo identification
Report lost or stolen cards to OMMA immediately for replacement.
Badge Display During Work
Credential display requirements are straightforward but strict:
- Credential must be worn or displayed during all work hours
- Must be visible while on licensed premises
- Must be available for inspection by OMMA officials or law enforcement
- Lost or stolen credentials: Report immediately to OMMA and obtain replacement before next shift
Employer Responsibilities
Employee Roster Requirements:
- Maintain updated Employee Roster in OMMA business portal
- Associate all employee credentials with commercial license
- Verify credentials before allowing employees to work
- Add new employees when hired
- Remove former employees when employment ends
Multi-Location Operations: Employees working at multiple locations must be listed on the roster for each license.
Verification Tools: The OMMA Verify tool allows employers to check credential validity and track status changes.
Critical Compliance Note: New hires cannot work until their credentials are approved.
Credential Renewal Process
Annual Renewal Timeline
Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials are valid for one year from the date of approval. Renewal is based on each individual’s anniversary of their approval date, not a universal renewal date.
Renewal Requirements and Fees
Renewal requirements for Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials mirror the initial application:
- Updated government-issued photo ID
- Current photograph (within 6 months)
- New OSBI background check (dated within 30 days of submission)
- Attestation Regarding National Background Check form
- $30 application fee plus processing fees
Can You Work While Renewal Pending?
Yes, employees with Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials can continue working while a renewal application is pending. However, if the renewal is denied, you must stop working immediately.
Employers should verify employees have submitted renewal applications before expiration. GrowerIQ sends automated reminders at 60, 30, and 14 days before expiration.
Key Takeaways
- All workers handling cannabis need credentials: Whether full-time, part-time, seasonal, or contractors who handle plants, Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials are required under SB 1704.
- Total cost is approximately $48: This includes the $30 OMMA application fee, $15 OSBI background check, and processing fees ($1-$2.72).
- Background checks must be current: OSBI background check results must be dated within 30 days of your OMMA application submission.
- Annual renewal required: Credentials expire one year from approval date and require fresh background checks and the same fees.
- Employers maintain rosters: Each licensed location must maintain an accurate Employee Roster in the OMMA portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials?
OMMA does not publish specific processing timelines. Applicants should begin the process 4-6 weeks before their intended start date to ensure adequate time for processing and potential issues.
What happens if my credentials expire?
You cannot legally work at a licensed cannabis facility with expired Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials. Submit your renewal application before expiration to avoid gaps in your ability to work.
Do I need separate credentials for each employer?
No, you use the same credential number regardless of how many employers you work for. However, each employer must add you to their Employee Roster for each license location where you will work.
What is the difference between a cannabis license and employee credentials?
A cannabis license authorizes a business entity to operate. Oklahoma cannabis employee credentials authorize an individual person to work for a licensed business. Business owners are covered under the business license; workers need separate credentials.
Can I work in the cannabis industry with a felony conviction?
It depends on the nature and timing of the conviction. Non-violent felonies are disqualifying only if within the last 2 years. Violent felonies and drug trafficking offenses are disqualifying if within the last 5 years. Other criminal history is evaluated case-by-case.
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