Is Recreational Weed Legal in Oregon?

Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in the State of Oregon?

Medical marijuana has been legal in Oregon since 1998. But, in 2014, it was legalized for recreational use by adults of the age of 21 or above, no matter if they live in places like Eugene or Portland. 

 

History of Weed Laws

The Beaver State was one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana, passing the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act back in 1998.  The Oregon Health Authority oversees the medical marijuana program in the state.

 

In 2014, voters passed the Control, Regulation, and Taxation of Marijuana and Industrial Hemp Act, which effectively legalized possession, distribution, and consumption of marijuana for adults 21 or older.  In 2018, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission developed stricter regulation for the recreational marijuana market in order to maintain its safety for consumers and crack down on black market marijuana distribution.  Then, in 2019, OR gave the commission authority to deny production licenses as they see fit.

 

Where Can a Person Legally Purchase Weed in Oregon?

Currently, Oregon residents who are purchasing weed for recreational purposes can visit a state-licensed dispensary, with limits to how much they can purchase at a time, or in one day.  Residents 21 or older can legally purchase up to an ounce of flower, 16 ounces of a solid cannabis product, 72 ounces of a liquid cannabis product, 5 grams for smoking or vaping, 5 grams of concentrate, 4 immature plants, or 10 seeds.  There are also limits on the THC concentrations, with 50 milligrams per edibles, 6% in topical products, 1 gram in tinctures, 100 milligrams in capsules, 1 gram of extract, and 1 gram in all other types of products. 

 

The state has a 17% retail tax on cannabis products. Also, some areas of the state have also added a 3% tax to all transactions. 

 

Medical marijuana patients have some different restrictions when it comes to purchasing.  They can legally purchase up to 24 ounces of flower, 16 ounces of solid cannabis products, 72 ounces of liquid products, 16 ounces of concentrates, 5 grams of extract, four immature plants, and 50 seeds.  In fact, THC limits are as follows: 100 milligrams in edibles, 6% in topical products, 4 grams in capsules, 4 grams of extract and 4 grams in all other products.

 

Retailers are legally authorized to deliver cannabis to not only medical patients, but recreational users as well. 

 

Where Can Cannabis Legally Be Used?

It is illegal to consume cannabis in any form in public, and so users can only consume on private property.  It’s illegal to consume cannabis in a parked car unless on private property and out of public view, and is also illegal to consume cannabis in a vehicle that is moving, whether as a driver or a passenger.

 

Possession Laws

Oregon law permits recreational users to possess up to an ounce of cannabis flower, 16 ounces of a solid product, 72 ounces of a liquid product, 5 grams for smoking or vaping, 5 grams of concentrates and 4 immature plants.  They are allowed to gift cannabis to other adults as long as they do not exceed these possession amounts, and as long as no financial payment is exchanged.  It is illegal to transport cannabis out of OR.

 

Medical patients and their caregivers may possess up to 24 ounces of cannabis flower, 16 ounces of a solid product, 72 ounces of a liquid product, 16 ounces of concentrates, 5 grams of extract, 4 immature plants and 50 seedlings.

 

Can Residents Grow Their Own?

Recreational users 21 or older may cultivate up to 4 plants at home, as long as they are kept out of public view.  Renters may grow on private property as long as they have permission from their landlords, who are legally permitted to deny the request.

 

Medical patients can grow up to 6 mature plants and 12 immature plants. They may even designate a grower through an application process if unable to cultivate.

 

Medical Marijuana

Oregon’s medical marijuana program is managed by the Oregon Health Authority. 

 

Qualifying Conditions:

• 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 results in one or more of the following:
  • Cachexia, or wasting syndrome
  • Persistent muscle spasms, including those associated with multiple sclerosis
  • Seizures, including those caused by epilepsy
  • Severe nausea
  • Severe pain

 

Patient Qualifications:

To qualify, a patient must have a written certification from a licensed Doctor of Medicine, Doctor of Osteopathy, or the patient’s primary physician, with a diagnosis of one of the above qualifying conditions.

 

How to Register for Medical Marijuana in Oregon

A patient can apply through the state’s website for a medical marijuana authorization card and must include a doctor’s certification that was signed within the last 90 days.  A valid state or federal ID must also be provided.  There is a $200 fee upon applying, and an extra $200 fee if the party wishes to cultivate their own cannabis.

 

Qualifying as a Caregiver

Patients below the age of 18 require a caregiver, and adults can designate a caregiver.  The caregiver must be an Oregon resident and must be at least 21 years of age. 

 

Registering as a Caregiver

A patient can designate a caregiver through the application process, and the caregiver must provide their state-issued ID.

 

Reciprocity Laws

Oregon does not permit out-of-state medical cardholders to purchase cannabis in state dispensaries.  However, adults from out of state can purchase cannabis for recreational purposes from a dispensary as long as they have an ID showing that they are least 21 years of age.

 

Licensing Laws

All cannabis products sold in Oregon must undergo a third-party testing process by a licensed lab.  This process checks products for their cannabinoid profile, potency, purity, presence of contaminants and other measures of safety and quality.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

#1: How Long Has Weed Been Legal in Oregon?

Oregon legalized cannabis for recreational purposes in 2014, after many years of having a successful medical marijuana program.  All adults 21 or older can legally purchase marijuana from a state-licensed dispensary.

 

#2: Can I Consume Cannabis in Public?

It is against the law in Oregon to consume cannabis within public view or on public property.  This means that residents of the state can only consume cannabis on private property, including their homes and the homes of others.

 

#3: Can I Have Weed Delivered to My Home?

Oregon does legally allow weed delivery, and dispensaries can decide whether or not to offer a delivery service.  Some may only offer this service to medical patients.

 

#4: Can I Grow Weed on My Property?

Both medical and recreational users are lawfully permitted to grow their own cannabis on their property, with varying restrictions as to how much they can legally grow at any given time.

 

#5: Can I Travel Out of State with Cannabis?

It is against the law to travel out of Oregon with cannabis in your possession.  This can lead to criminal charges.

 

#6: Can I Dab in Oregon?

You can legally purchase dabs in the state of Oregon. However, homemade butane hash oils, including wax and shatter, are strictly illegal to produce and consume.