SUPPORTERS of medical marijuana in Oklahoma want to see their wishes granted sooner rather than later, which explains some of the complaints about the state Health Department's emergency rules governing implementation. Yet it was unrealistic to believe there would be a quick turnaround between voter approval of State Question 788 and the law's implementation.

Those who want to use medical marijuana have their list of demands and concerns about the Health Department's rules. So do numerous other stakeholders. As The Oklahoman's Dale Denwalt reported from the first meeting last week of a special legislative working group, “On display … were the major players, political groups, future patients and business representatives, and each had a different opinion.”

Many Health Department rules were rejected by proponents as unworkable or unfair, particularly the agency board's approval of two last-minute rules, requiring a pharmacist on site at dispensaries and banning the sale of smokable cannabis. The board's move prompted two lawsuits, an opinion from the attorney general that the board had gone too far, and formation of the legislative panel, which will hold hearings over the next several weeks as it considers what form Oklahoma's law ultimately will take.

One group has proposed legislation that's 275 pages. Another group, among other things, doesn't want the government to be able to inspect home-grow operations, or municipalities to be allowed to establish new zoning rules regarding where marijuana businesses may set up shop.