The Friendly Market in Norman featured a "NOW OPEN" sign in December. The store was closed after police raids and the filing of criminal charges against the owner and employees. [Photo by Steve Sisney, The Oklahoman Archives]

NORMAN — At a time when other states are decriminalizing marijuana and passing laws allowing its recreational use, Oklahoma's third-largest city has taken a hard-line stance against small businesses that sell glass pipes and other products commonly associated with the drug.

Over the past decade, the Norman Police Department has shut down retail stores and threatened action against convenience stores accused of peddling drug paraphernalia, usually glass pipes, water bongs and other items associated with the marijuana subculture.

Police say they are responding to citizen complaints and that their interpretation of state drug laws is accurate and fair.

“Our investigations stemmed from citizen complaints ... why the department was allowing the sale of these types of pipes, bongs and drug paraphernalia,” said Sarah Jensen, police spokeswoman. “During these investigations, it was deemed that the product was illegal.”