The Legalization of Marijuana in Oregon

Ready for the legalization of marijuana in the state of Oregon? Well don’t be in too much of a hurry. There’s an awful lot that you should know, before you light up. The law was passed, but don’t think that means you can start lighting up today. There’s some things you need to know about when it’s legal, and how much you can have in your possession, and how much you can be growing. Also, you should remember that even though it will be legal, it is still illegal for you to get behind the wheel if you are under the influence of alcohol or marijuana, or both.

The votes were cast, and the public has spoken, Marijuana is legal in the state of Oregon. However, it is not legal to light up until July 1st, 2015. Until then, if you are found smoking marijuana you can and will be charged and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. There are some misconceptions that because the bill passed it is now legal to smoke wherever and whenever, and we are here to tell you that simply is not true. Be patient, it is almost legal for you to smoke, but not quite yet.

Even after July 1st, there are some things you should know about these new marijuana laws. First, and foremost, once it is legal that does not mean you can run out and purchase it. Retailers will not be licensed until 2016, this gives the Oregon Liquor Control Commission time to finalize the governing rules on the licensing and sales of marijuana. Remember this, if you are found purchasing marijuana form an unlicensed retailer, you can and will still be punished, because this is technically still illegal. Retailers will begin to be licensed in early 2016, but you have a couple other options in the meantime.

Before it is legal to purchase marijuana from licensed retailers, you will be able to be in possession of marijuana. You will legally be allowed to have one ounce of marijuana in your possession, outside of your home. If you are in your home, you are allowed to have up to eight ounces of marijuana per household. How are you to obtain said pot, if it isn’t legal to purchase? This might be the questions you are asking, and we have the answer. You can grow it! Starting July 1st, 2015, you will be allowed to legally grow up to 4 plants in your home, for your personal and recreational use. If you are not a smoker, and you prefer to ingest your marijuana there are laws that pertain to you as well. You are allowed to be in possession of one pound of edibles (think cookies or brownies), 72 ounces of marijuana-infused liquids (like lotions or sodas), and one ounce of marijuana extract.

The most important thing to remember is these laws apply to individuals who are over the age of 21, similar to laws regarding alcohol consumption. It is also illegal to get behind the wheel and drive after you have consumed marijuana in any fashion. Keep in mind that all of this is not in effect until July 1st, so do not light up before then. You will be in violation of state laws until then, and this is all still in violation of federal laws, but very little will be done on the federal level, as it has become an exhaustion of resources.