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Two proposed bills would keep closer tabs on Oklahoma marijuana growers’ water use

Marijuana plants in Seattle.
Ted S. Warren
/
AP
Marijuana plants in Seattle.

Oklahoma lawmakers are hoping to regulate how marijuana growers and processors utilize water in the state.

Another proposed measure by GOP Tulsa Senator Cody Rogers would overhaul the licensing application for medical marijuana businesses. Among many proposed changes,Senate Bill 134 would require businesses to provide a map of water sources, storage tanks and irrigation systems in their application.

Adair Senator Michael Bergrstrom’sSenate Bill 117 would update the application for medical marijuana growers and processors, requiring them to get permission for water use. Growers using groundwater or streams would need a permit from the Oklahoma Water Resources Board; growers using a public water supplier would need official permission from the county or municipality that manages it.

Bergstrom, a Republican, introduced anearly identical bill in the 2022 legislative session. A version passed in the State House, but the Senate didn’t read or vote on it before the legislative session ended.

This report was produced by the Oklahoma Public Media Exchange, a collaboration of public media organizations. Help support collaborative journalism by donating at the link at the top of this webpage.

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