Growing expectations

Medical marijuana industry displays its wares, services

Anthony Fletcher headed to State Fair Park on Saturday not sure of what to expect.

The GreenGrow Expo was in Oklahoma City for the weekend, and Fletcher wanted to check it out. He often picks up his mother's CBD products, but Fletcher was interested in what else the industry had to offer. The event at the fairgrounds' Expo Hall surpassed all his expectations.

“Overall I think it's been a great show,” Fletcher said. “I enjoy this.”

The expo included 110 vendors with ties to the medical marijuana industry. There were dispensaries, testing laboratories, security services, lawyers, insurers, grow suppliers and more.

“We are overwhelmed by the support from the patient-centered brands in the cannabis space,” event coordinator Jay Wright said. Wright estimated more than 5,000 visitors attended the event over the course of the weekend, exceeding his expectations for the event by more than 1,000.

“Our highlight was meeting some patients who were able to get off prescriptions, sleep at night, and these patients who have had their lives improved by the product,” Wright said.

QuanTEM Laboratories President John Barnett was in attendance as a vendor, working a booth providing information for those interested in the company's testing ability. Testing requirements likely will be increased during this legislative session, and those in the industry seem to be anticipating the changes.

“They know it's going to come, and they are trying to prepare for it,” Barnett said.

Secondary and tertiary businesses are getting involved in the industry as it continues to expand. Many vendors in attendance don't directly grow or sell marijuana. The lawyers, insurers, security and supply firms are cashing in by providing marijuana-specific services for dispensaries and growers.

For Fletcher, it was a welcome sight to meet and visit a variety of businesses. He works in auto sales, and doesn't directly interact with the cannabis industry. He said the expo was beneficial as he seeks the best options as a consumer.

“I'm scoping things out because I have to buy product,” Fletcher said.

For his mom, he has witnessed a huge difference, he said.

“When it works, it really works,” Fletcher said.

[PHOTOS BY DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN] Amber Walker, owner of Whole Health Oklahoma, LLC, talks Saturday about the Tower Garden product with Anthony Fletcher at the GreenGrow Expo at State Fair Park in Oklahoma City.

Addison Early, 10, of Choctaw, has her face painted Saturday at the GreenGrow Expo at State Fair Park.

[DOUG HOKE/THE OKLAHOMAN] Myona Baser talks with a visitor Saturday at the Food Safety Testing booth at the GreenGrow Expo at State Fair Park.