Marijuana Laws and Policies in Oregon
Cannabis in Oregon is legal for medicinal therapy and for adult use. Carrying marijuana in public, smoking, distributing, and even growing cannabis plants are all permitted activities in the state. You will, of course, still have to abide by the rules and limits set within the state’s laws. This has allowed it to help form the culture that people of the Beaver State experience today.
What rules and regulations limit the use of marijuana in Oregon?
History of Cannabis in Oregon
In the years that followed, the widespread use of illegal weed experienced a significant spike. Due to its prohibition, people resorted to buying their supplies from black markets and unauthorized dealers. This continued well into the 60s and 70s, when illegal cannabis use was at an all-time high in the state.
As a means of mitigating any further risks of drug abuse, the state of Oregon decided to decriminalize the possession of minimal amounts of weed. By doing so, Oregon became the first state to decriminalize weed, subjecting offenders to civil infractions rather than criminal charges. Cannabis was supposedly subject to re-criminalization in 1997 but residents disapproved of such policy.
From 1999 all the way to the early years of the 2000s, Oregon outpaced the rest of the United States in cannabis consumption 45% to 32%! This made it the leading state in terms of medical marijuana use.
Legalization of recreational cannabis:
In the 2014 US Elections, the voting population of the Beaver State subsequently approved of Measure 91 (Control, Regulation, and Taxation of Marijuana and Industrial Hemp). Legalizing recreational marijuana had a profound impact on the lifestyle and economy of Oregon. In 2017 alone recreational sales and excise taxes were able to generate $20 million dollars in revenue, which was $20 million more than the previous year.
Cannabis Regulation Body
Activities that relate to the licensing and establishment of cannabis dispensaries and the marijuana markets fall under the jurisdiction of the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC). It is also through this office that patients of medical marijuana must first register before being able to purchase medical marijuana from licensed dispensaries in the state. Physicians, caregivers, and distributors of marijuana for medical purposes must also apply under the Oregon Health Authority.
Medical Cannabis
As one of the first four US territories to legalize the use of medical marijuana, it isn’t uncommon for Oregon’s citizens to turn towards medical marijuana for their health therapy.Along with the typical requirements needed to register (such as valid IDs and filled out application forms), the patients must also have a statement of a physician indicating the need for medical marijuana.
While it will depend upon the attending doctor’s diagnosis, there are rarely any drawbacks that will prevent you from obtaining a proper prescription.
Legal Age, Purchasing, and Possession of Cannabis
Legal age:
Marijuana for recreational use, possession, and cultivation is permitted for those citizens of Oregon who are at least 21 years old and above. They must also be of legal age (proven with a government-issued ID) in order to purchase cannabis from local weed shops and recreational dispensaries. Minors who are under the age of 18, however, will be subject to much stricter conditions.
Purchasing locations and possession limits:
The legalization of recreational marijuana in 2014 allowed to buy marijuana seeds in Oregon in establishment of cannabis dispensaries to be built across the whole state of Oregon. The selling and distribution of cannabis for recreational purposes began in 2015. In private residences, residents may buy and possess 8 ounces of dried cannabis buds, 1 ounce of THC oils and extracts, 16 ounces of cannabis in solid form, and 72 ounces of cannabis in liquid form.
Consumption and Cultivation of Cannabis
Consumption limits:
If you buy marijuana seeds in Oregon smoking or using cannabis for either medical or recreational purposes, then you may only do so in private places such as households and privately owned lands. Roads, walkways, parks, schools, and even hotels and bars do not allow on-site use of weed.
Cannabis cultivation:
Oregon laws state that recreational users can buy marijuana seeds in Oregon are permitted to grow up to four (4) cannabis plants in their respective households. Medical marijuana patients or caregivers who wish to cultivate marijuana seeds must first register with the OMMP and have the grower’s name and growing address listed down.
In the state of Oregon, you will find no shortage of cannabis whatsoever! Today, it has become a staple commodity and something that attracts both citizens and tourists alike!
