The Oklahoma Senate and Oklahoma House working group on medical marijuana rules unanimously approved priorities for testing in a move that will help ensure Oklahomans have access to safe and effective medicine, the group’s co-chair said.

Sen. Greg McCortney praised the work of the committee members, appointed in July by Senate Pro Tem-designate Greg Treat and House Speaker Charles McCall, and said the priorities were the first in a series of steps to implement a medical marijuana system according to the will of voters who approved State Question 788.

“From Day One, our objective has been to collect information and seek input from stakeholders from all across the industry so that the state can develop and implement a safe and effective medical marijuana industry,” said McCortney, R-Ada. “Testing has been a high priority and the recommendations the working group made today, will help ensure that Oklahomans have access to safe medicine. This is the first of many steps the state must take to fully implement a successful, effective and safe medical marijuana industry in accordance with the will of voters. Work will continue as we sort through a variety of issues like banking and taxation, employment law and licensing issues.”

The working group approved by a 8-0 vote a set of testing priorities. The recommendations will be sent to the Oklahoma State Department of Health for consideration by the Board of Health, which may issue rules based on the working group’s recommendations.