New Open Container Law for Medical Marijuana Hits Oklahoma Drivers

URGENT UPDATE: A new law enforcing open container regulations for medical marijuana has officially taken effect in Oklahoma City, placing strict guidelines on drivers transporting these products. Effective immediately, drivers must ensure that all medical marijuana items are sealed and stored out of reach or face significant legal repercussions.

Senator Darrell Weaver (R-Moore), the bill’s author, emphasized that under this legislation, it is the driver’s responsibility to comply. “The way the bill is written is that really, it’s the driver’s responsibility,” he stated. This law prohibits unsealed medical marijuana products from being within reach in the front seat and explicitly bans consumption by passengers.

Authorities are taking these changes seriously. Aaron Brilbeck from the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office remarked on the misuse of medical marijuana cards, saying, “They hand us their driver’s license and their medical marijuana card, like it’s some kind of get out of jail free card.” This new law is intended to send a clear message: smoking or consuming marijuana while driving is unacceptable.

Drivers must now keep their medical marijuana products either in the back seat or the trunk of their vehicles. “What this is about is just being reasonable, and we don’t want impaired drivers on the road,” Sen. Weaver added.

Beyond fines for violations, violators will incur an additional $250 trauma care fee, which will contribute to Oklahoma’s Trauma Care Assistance Revolving Fund. This financial penalty aims to deter irresponsible usage and enhance road safety.

As this law takes effect, Oklahoma drivers are urged to remember that the packaging of their medical marijuana products must remain sealed. Brilbeck stressed, “The package that you purchased it in is the package that it needs to remain, and that package needs to be sealed.”

This urgent update is critical for all medical marijuana users in Oklahoma, as failure to comply could lead to legal trouble and increased fines. Stay informed and share this news to help others understand the new regulations.