The Oklahoma State Department of Health voted July 10 on rules creating a rough framework for patients, physicians, caretakers and business owners interested in medical marijuana. Seated, from left, are Dr. R. Murali Krishna, Ronald Osterhout and Becky Payton, board treasurer. Standing at the lectern is Julie Ezell, general counsel for the health department. [Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman Archives]

Two weeks after Oklahoma voters agreed to legalize medical marijuana, numerous questions remain over how it will be implemented, and patient access could still be several months away as legal challenges have already been made and some voters worry the state government is chipping away at a system that hasn't even begun.

Numerous medical organizations and lawmakers who opposed State Question 788, which voters approved in June to legalize medical marijuana, suspected confusion if it were to pass, a prophecy that has become true, though largely through their own creation.

Before the election, Gov. Mary Fallin, who said she had "clear concerns" about SQ 788, announced she intended to call a special session of the state Legislature if the initiative were to pass in order to write additional rules and regulations.

But after its passage by 57 percent of voters on June 26, Fallin said a special session was not necessary, leaving rule-creation to the state Board of Health, which last week banned the sale of smokable marijuana and approved other rules that drew immediate backlash, including multiple lawsuits.