Adria Berry Resigns as Oklahoma Marijuana Director
Governor Kevin Stitt has appointed Jason Yingling to serve as interim director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People
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Adria Berry is stepping down from her role as the director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, a position she has held since 2021. Governor Kevin Stitt announced that Berry is departing to pursue new opportunities.
Why it matters
The change in leadership comes at the agency responsible for regulating the state's medical cannabis industry. While Berry leaves her directorship, she will continue to serve as the secretary of licensing and regulation.
Adria Berry led the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority for five years starting in 2021. Jason Yingling, currently the deputy chief of compliance and enforcement, will now oversee agency operations.
The players
Adria Berry
She has served as the director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority since 2021 and will continue as the secretary of licensing and regulation.
Kevin Stitt
He is the Governor of Oklahoma who announced the leadership transition within the state medical marijuana agency.
Jason Yingling
He is a United States Marine Corps veteran and the current deputy chief of compliance and enforcement who will serve as the interim agency director.
The details
Governor Kevin Stitt named Jason Yingling as the interim director to fill the vacancy for the remainder of his current term. Yingling brings experience from his previous role as the deputy chief of compliance and enforcement and is a United States Marine Corps veteran.
Timeline
2021: Adria Berry began her tenure as the director of the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority.
Nov. 3: A new governor is scheduled to be elected.
Market Landscape
This transition shifts administrative control within the state agency overseeing the medical cannabis sector. It reflects the ongoing adjustment of regulatory management as the state prepares for a gubernatorial election cycle.
Residents and stakeholders in the medical marijuana program should expect continued operational oversight under the new interim leadership. The shift does not immediately alter current medical marijuana licensing or regulation protocols for consumers.
The takeaway
The appointment of an interim director ensures administrative continuity for the agency through the end of the current gubernatorial term. Stakeholders should monitor official state communications for further updates regarding permanent agency appointments.
Further reading
For more information on state leadership and agency updates, visit Oklahoma People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KOCO.
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