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Oregon

CANNABIS DISPENSARY REGULATIONS FOR OREGON

Oregon’s extensive experience in regulating the cannabis industry has resulted in a well-established system with clear guidelines for both medical and recreational use. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) oversees licensing and regulation of adult-use marijuana businesses, while the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) manages the medical marijuana program.

Dispensaries must obtain appropriate licenses, with different types available for producers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers. Adult-use retailers can operate between 7 am and 10 pm, selling to customers 21 and older. Purchase limits for recreational use include 1 ounce of usable marijuana in public or 8 ounces at home. Strict packaging, labeling, and testing requirements ensure product safety. Recreational sales are subject to a 17% state tax plus up to 3% local tax, while medical sales are tax-exempt. Dispensaries must use the Metrc seed-to-sale tracking system and comply with advertising restrictions.

While the application process involves creating an account, submitting an online application, undergoing a background check, and a readiness inspection, the specific fees mentioned ($4,000 application fee and $480 annual tracking system fee) should be verified with current OLCC sources. Importantly, individuals aged 21 and above can legally purchase cannabis from authorized dispensaries for recreational use, regardless of whether they possess a medical marijuana license.

As regulations can evolve, it’s advisable to consult the OLCC and OHA for the most up-to-date information on Oregon’s cannabis dispensary regulations.

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CANNABIS LEGALIZATION HISTORY IN OREGON

Oregon has a relatively progressive history with cannabis legalization. In 1998, the state became one of the first in the U.S. to legalize medical cannabis with the passage of Ballot Measure 67. This allowed patients with certain medical conditions to obtain and use cannabis with a doctor’s recommendation.

Oregon introduced its medical card program in 2005, which allowed patients to reimburse their growers for specific growing expenses. The State also raised the maximum limit to 24 ounces of usable cannabis and 6 plants. In 2012, Oregon established a medical registry system that enabled medical marijuana dispensaries by state-issued licenses.

In 2014, Oregon voters approved Measure 91, which legalized the possession, use, and cultivation of cannabis for adults 21 and over. The law also created a regulatory framework for the production and sale of cannabis products.

Since the passage of Measure 91, Oregon has become a leader in the legal cannabis industry. The state has a thriving cannabis market, with a diverse range of businesses and products. However, like other states, Oregon has faced challenges in regulating the industry and addressing the harms caused by the war on drugs.

In recent years, Oregon has taken steps to address these issues. The state has implemented a social equity program to promote diversity and inclusion in the legal cannabis industry, and has also allowed for the expungement of past cannabis convictions. Additionally, Oregon has legalized the therapeutic use of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in certain mushrooms, through the passage of Measure 109 in 2020.

LAST UPDATED 8/09/2024 – It’s important to remember that laws can be revised and updated frequently, so please keep this in mind.