Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority Names Interim Chief
Cannabis operators should prepare for potential enforcement shifts as Jason Yingling takes over the agency's lead role.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
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Adria Berry has resigned as director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, a role she held since 2021. Jason Yingling, the agency's deputy chief of compliance and enforcement, will serve as interim director for the remainder of Governor Kevin Stitt's term.
Why it matters
The change in leadership at the state's cannabis regulatory agency comes as industry operators navigate ongoing compliance standards. Businesses should prepare for potential shifts in regulatory enforcement priorities under the interim director's tenure.
Adria Berry held the director position since 2021, overseeing the agency's operations during a period of state-level cannabis regulation. The transition to Jason Yingling occurs as the state approaches a gubernatorial election.
The players
Adria Berry
The outgoing director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority and current secretary of licensing and regulation.
Jason Yingling
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former deputy chief of compliance and enforcement who is now the interim director of the OMMA.
Kevin Stitt
The current Governor of Oklahoma responsible for administrative appointments within state agencies.
The details
Governor Kevin Stitt announced that Berry is stepping down from her role at the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority to pursue new opportunities. She will maintain her position as secretary of licensing and regulation. Jason Yingling, a United States Marine Corps veteran, moves into the interim director seat after serving as the agency's deputy chief of compliance and enforcement.
Timeline
2021: Adria Berry began her tenure as director of the OMMA.
Nov. 3: Date of the upcoming election for a new governor.
Market Landscape
This transition shifts the leadership of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority during a critical state election cycle. It follows a multi-year effort to standardize the state's medical cannabis regulatory framework.
Operators should monitor for any near-term updates to enforcement policies as the agency transitions to interim leadership. Proactive communication with the compliance department is advised for businesses currently undergoing regulatory reviews.
The takeaway
Businesses should review all pending compliance submissions and correspondence to ensure continuity during the leadership transition. Monitoring public notices from the agency is essential as the state nears the Nov. 3 gubernatorial election.
Further reading
For more on regulatory leadership changes in the state, see Oklahoma People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOCO.
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