Oregon approved marijuana legalization during the 2014 Election. The possession, consumption, and cultivation provisions of the initiative became effective July 1st, although some counties suspended enforcement before that. The biggest remaining question since July 1st is ‘when will recreational marijuana sales begin in Oregon?’ Late last month the Oregon Legislature passed a bill that would allow limited recreational marijuana sales via existing medical marijuana dispensaries. That bill was signed by Oregon Governor Kate Brown earlier today. Below is the summary of the bill:
Allows medical marijuana dispensaries, beginning October 1, 2015, to sell limited marijuana retail product to persons at least 21 years of age in accordance with certain conditions.
Directs Oregon Health Authority to adopt rules providing for relocation of registered medical marijuana facility.]Provides, if school is established within 1,000 feet of registered medical marijuana facility, that medical marijuana facility may remain at current location until date on which medical marijuana facility must renew registration with authority for second time following date on which school is first attended by students.] Allows local governments to adopt ordinances that prohibit sales of limited marijuana retail product. Requires Oregon Health Authority to create rules to implement Act. Allows authority to prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries in violation of Act from selling limited marijuana retail product. Sunsets December 31, 2016. Declares emergency, effective on passage.
