Oregon Cannabis Regulatory Overview
On November 4, 2014, Oregon voted in favor of Measure 91 to "permit persons licensed, controlled, regulated, and taxed by this state to legally manufacture and sell marijuana to person 21 years of age and older." On October 1, 2015, Oregon began permitting adult-use cannabis sales through the existing medical marijuana infrastructure. Oregon began licensing and permitting sales through a separate adult-use regulatory framework in 2016.
Oregon Cannabis License Overview
Oregon issues five types of primary commercial adult-use cannabis licenses: (1) marijuana producer licenses; (2) marijuana processors (encompassing cannabis products manufacturing); (3) marijuana wholesalers; (4) marijuana testing laboratories; and (5) marijuana retailers. Oregon also issues a research license certificate for marijuana research.
Oregon Cannabis Key Regulators
Oregon's lead regulator for adult-use cannabis is the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. The Oregon Health Authority plays a key role in promulgating rules regarding packaging and labeling of recreational marijuana products. Cannabis testing laboratories must be accredited by the Oregon Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program, better known as ORELAP.
Oregon Cannabis Locality Options
Local communities have the ability under Oregon's adult-use cannabis law to opt out of commercial cannabis activity or to impose certain reasonable regulations on adult-use cannabis activity.