Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority terminates 10 percent of staff, cites restructuring need

The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) says it’s reduced 10 percent of its staff to maximize taxpayer dollars.

A spokesperson shared an email Tuesday sent to employees notifying them of the change. In the email, OMMA Director Adria Berry outlines a need for the restructuring with deep consideration of the agency’s future.

“With commercial license numbers decreasing, it was imperative we find efficiencies in our operations to ensure we are nimble and ready for future endeavors,” said Berry in the email.

Information from OMMA also suggested that a limited appropriated budget played a part.

News 4 employees sat down with former employee Joanna Woolridge Tuesday, who said she was impacted by the reduction as a professional development manager. She said other former employees she spoke with had echoed their disappointment in the agency’s decision.

“OMMA has been big on, we’re a family, we’re together,” said Woolridge. “To be blindsided by it, that’s not a family. Maybe it is a family, it’s a family that you want to skip that reunion.”

Woolridge said the decision came as a shock to most impacted, with only a few hints this week internally that it could be on the table. She said she’s spoken with current staff members that are fearful of still losing their jobs, even with the agency assuring employees that won’t be necessary at this time.