Oregon Cannabis Laws + Possession Limits

by Kat Austin December 21, 2023 5 min read

Oregon Cannabis Laws + Possession Limits - VO Inc

Oregon's cannabis scene has witnessed a remarkable evolution, mirroring the changing tides of cannabis legislation across the United States. From stringent prohibitions to a flourishing embrace of medical and recreational marijuana, the journey of Oregon's cannabis lawsis a fascinating one. 

Here, we’ll explore the ever-evolving terrain of Oregon's cannabis regulations, navigating the nuances of possession limits, cultivation rules, penalties, and the ins and outs of accessing and distributing cannabis within the state. Let’s jump in: 

Table of Contents
Is Cannabis Legal in Oregon?
Oregon Cannabis Laws
Penalties for Marijuana-Related Crimes
Where to Buy Cannabis Online

Key Takeaways

  • Cannabis is legal for medical and recreational use in Oregon. 
  • Recreational users can possess up to 2 ounces, while medical patients can possess up to 24 ounces of cannabis at a time. 
  • There are penalties for possessing more than the allowable amount of cannabis, for unlicensed sales, and for consuming in public spaces. 
Cannabis oil and capsules positioned near cannabis plants to show several types of products available in legal Oregon dispensaries.

Is Cannabis Legal in Oregon?

Oregon has a storied history with marijuana laws, but cannabis is now legal for medical and recreational use. The state took an early lead in legalizing medical cannabis in 1998 with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act, followed by recreational approval in 2014 under the Control, Regulation, and Taxation of Marijuana and Industrial Hemp Act.

Recent updates, signed in December 2021, permit adults over 21 to carry two ounces of marijuana publicly and one ounce of extract. Patients and caregivers retain allowances of up to 24 ounces of flower and 5 grams of extracts. At home, individuals of legal age can possess up to 8 ounces, but remember, public use is prohibited in places like schools, federal lands, and rental properties in Oregon.

Regulations for Medical Use

In Oregon, medical cannabis is legal for those with a medical card. There are still laws and limits to follow, including that medical card holders may:

  • Possess up to 24 ounces of cannabis
  • Cultivate up to six marijuana plants in a private space that is locked away from anyone under the age of 21
  • Travel with cannabis, within specified limits, in a vehicle as long as it is in a closed container that is in an area that’s out of reach to the passengers, such as in the trunk. 
  • Use cannabis if under the age of 21 with a doctor's recommendation. Users under 18 must designate a caregiver to purchase and administer cannabis. 
  • Consume cannabis in a private residence or approved medical facility. 

Qualifying Conditions for Medical Cannabis in Oregon 

The qualifying conditions for medical cannabis in Oregon include:

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • A degenerative or pervasive neurological condition
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • A medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that produces one or more of the following:
    • Cachexia (a weight-loss disease that can be caused by HIV or cancer
    • Severe pain
    • Severe nausea
    • Seizures, including but not limited to seizures caused by epilepsy
    • Persistent muscle spasm, including but not limited to spasms caused by multiple sclerosis

Regulations for Recreational Use

In Oregon, recreational cannabis is legal for adults 21 and up. That means adults can legally:

  • Possess up to two ounces of cannabis
  • Cultivate up to four marijuana plants in a private space that is locked away from anyone under the age of 21
  • Travel with cannabis, within specified limits, in a vehicle as long as it is in a closed container that is in an area that’s out of reach to the passengers, such as in the trunk. 
  • Gift cannabis to other adults over the age of 21, within the specified possession limits, without taking any form of payment. 
  • Consume cannabis in private locations or licensed cannabis lounges. 

Restrictions

In Oregon, cannabis use—both medical and recreational—is legal but regulated. Here are key restrictions:

  • Age Restriction: Users must be at least 21 years old for recreational cannabis
  • Prohibition: Selling or gifting cannabis to minors is illegal.
  • No Financial Exchange: Transactions involving cannabis and financial consideration are prohibited.
  • Driving Regulations: Driving under cannabis influence is illegal.
  • Public Use: Consumption in public spaces is prohibited.
  • School Grounds: Using cannabis within 1,000 feet of school grounds is illegal.
  • Federal Lands: Cannabis use is prohibited on federal lands.
  • Property Rights: Property owners can restrict cannabis use on their premises.
  • Interstate Transport: Taking cannabis across state lines, even to legal states, is illegal."

Oregon Cannabis Laws

  • Legalization History: In 1998, Oregon legalized medical marijuana, followed by full adult-use legalization in 2014, allowing possession and cultivation for individuals aged 21 and above.
  • Control, Regulation, and Taxation Act: Enacted in 2014, this act removed penalties for adults over 21 possessing limited amounts of marijuana and established a regulated system for producers, wholesalers, processors, and retailers under the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC).
  • Recent Legislative Updates (2021-2022):
    • HB300: Allows OLCC regulation of artificially-derived cannabinoids, sets THC concentration limits in cannabis products, establishes a task force, and introduces administrative rules effective from July 2022.
    • HB2284A: Proposes the creation of a state commission for taxing and marketing hemp operators similar to agricultural commissions.
    • SB408: Aims to streamline licensing application procedures, specifies reasons for license postponement, introduces regulations on violations, and sets public safety reporting requirements for OLCC.
    • HB2519: Permits marijuana delivery by retailers to consumers in neighboring jurisdictions with delivery regulations.
    • SB808: Grants OLCC specialists "peace officer" status to enforce regulations, particularly targeting areas with unlicensed cannabis activities.
    • HB3295: Requires counties to convene cannabis advisory panels before adopting specific marijuana-related ordinances to receive funds from the Oregon Marijuana Account.
    • HB3369: Allows licensed health care providers, specifically nurses, to discuss medical marijuana use with patients.
    • SB307: Waives fees for qualifying veterans seeking medical marijuana cards.
    • HB2111A: Renames the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission.
    • SB96: Authorizes OLCC to regulate testing and labeling of hemp-derived vapor products, including inhalant delivery systems.

These laws encompass various aspects, from regulation and taxation to licensing procedures, patient access, and product testing within Oregon's

Penalties for Marijuana-related Crimes in Oregon

Possession in Public:

  • 2 ounces or less: No fine or penalty
  • More than 2 ounces to 4 ounces:Violation, fine of $1,000
  • More than 4 ounces to 8 ounces:Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in prison, fine up to $2,500
  • More than 8 pounds: Felony, up to 5 years in prison, fine up to $125,000

Possession in Private:

  • Up to 8 ounces: No fine or penalty
  • More than 8 ounces to 1 pound: Violation, fine up to $1,000
  • More than 1 pound to 2 pounds:Misdemeanor, up to 6 months in prison, fine up to $2,500
  • More than 8 pounds: Felony, up to 5 years in prison, fine up to $125,000

Commercial Sale and Regulation:

  • Regulated retail sales permitted; unlicensed sales subject to criminal penalties

Manufacture, Delivery, or Distribution:

  • Manufacture: Felony, except for limited home gardens
  • Delivery without compensation:Varies from no penalty to felony, depending on amount and location
  • Delivery to a minor: Felony
  • Cultivation:Misdemeanor for exceeding plant limits, felony for certain locations

Hash & Concentrates Possession:

  • Possession limits outlined for various cannabinoid products; possession over limits incurs misdemeanor or felony charges

Paraphernalia:

  • Sale, delivery, or possession with intent to sell or deliver to a person under 21:Civil penalty up to $1,000

Legal Cannabis and Buy Online Alternatives

Although cannabis is legal in many states, hemp-derived THC products are still rising as a noteworthy alternative thanks to their affordability and accessibility. Hemp-derived THC products are federally legal, unlike traditional marijuana products, meaning they can often be ordered online and shipped right to your door. 

Read “Is Delta-8 Legal? A State by State Guide to Delta-8-THC Laws” to learn more about hemp THC laws near you, then check out our Elev8 and Cloud9 Collections

Vida Optima Cloud9 Delta-9-THC Gummies


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