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:
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.
