Oregon Marijuana Law

The Complete Guide to Marijuana Laws in Oregon

Oregon has always been forward-thinking when it concerns marijuana. The state was the first to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis, indicating its resolve to view marijuana differently from the rest of the US. 

The resolve of Oregonians to keep their freedom of cannabis use was so strong that, when an attempt was made to re-criminalize possession of small amounts in 1997, it was overwhelmingly turned down by voters.

The state is also one of the first to approve and authorize the use of cannabis for medical purposes. Needless to say, this was welcomed with open arms and over the next six years, between 1999 and 2005, the rate of cannabis use and consumption by folks in the state was significantly higher than the rest of America, at 32%-45%.

Finally, in 2014, Measure 91 was approved in Oregon, which successfully legalized the non-medical cultivation and use of cannabis. In July 2015, the governor of Oregon, Gov. Kate Brown, signed an emergency bill that provided for the legal operation of recreational marijuana dispensaries. 

The law was later tweaked to state only dispensaries that have a license from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), would be allowed to sell recreational marijuana in the state. Again, Oregonians took this in stride and in just a month, the number of licensed retailers tripled, from 99 in December 2016 to 260 by early January 2017. 

From all indications, folks in Oregon love their weed and this makes it a perfect destination for those that share this love. If you were considering taking a pot vacation to Oregon, here’s all you should know about marijuana laws in the state. Click here if you want to learn more about marijuana laws.

The state was the first to decriminalize possession of small amounts of cannabis, indicating its resolve to view marijuana differently from the rest of the US.

Can Just Anybody Buy Weed in Oregon? 

Yes, at least for anybody aged at least 21. It is illegal to sell cannabis to minors in Oregon (and everywhere else). To make a purchase, you’ll need to produce a physical government-issued ID so your age can be confirmed. 

The great thing is, your ID doesn’t even have to be from Oregon. This means you don’t have to be a resident to buy weed in Oregon. But keep in mind that purchases are generally required to be made in person, and in cash.

Apart from these, cannabis can also be purchased for medicinal purposes, but only if you have a medical card. These cards are usually given only on the recommendation of a doctor, and only to residents of Oregon. 

Is There Are Restriction on Where I Can Buy? 

Recreational weed can only be purchased in OLCC licensed recreational marijuana dispensaries. This means you cannot just walk into any store or dispensary and say “gimme some weed”. 

Although many medical dispensaries would most likely get recreational licenses as well, it doesn’t hurt to be careful. The stores are allowed to open from 7am to 10pm but they are free to maintain their own hours within this period. So, call ahead before heading out. 

How Much Can I Buy at a Go? 

Per the marijuana legalization laws, there are limits on how much weed you can purchase all at once. You can generally buy flower, seed, edibles, clones, concentrates and other products infused with cannabinoids. But only up to the following limits: 

• 1 ounce of usable marijuana (dried flower)
• Up to 16 ounces of a marijuana edibles in solid form
• Up to 72 ounces of a cannabis products in liquid form
• Up to 5 grams of marijuana extracts or concentrates. This includes the extract alone and when contained in an inhalant delivery system
• Up to 10 cannabis seeds
• 4 immature marijuana plants 

If you are a cardholder or caregiver under the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program, then you can purchase up to 24 ounces of weed in usable form. 

How Much Can I Possess All at Once? 

Yes, there are different rules for purchasing and possessing in Oregon. The rules regarding possession also apply for when you’re in public and when you’re in your home. 

If you are above 21 and are in a public place, you may legally possess marijuana in different forms up to the following limits: 

• 1 ounce of usable marijuana 
• 1 ounce of concentrates or extracts 
• Up to 16 ounces of edibles in solid form 
• Up to 72 ounces of marijuana products in liquid form 
• Up to 10 cannabis seeds 
• Maximum of 4 cannabis plants 

If you are a medical cardholder or caregiver, you may possess up to 24 ounces of dried flower. You may also possess up to 50 seeds. 

For possession in a private residence or property, you may possess pretty much the same amount of cannabis, with one major exception – you can have up to 8 ounces of usable marijuana. 

Can I Share a Blunt With a Friend? 

By all means. Oregon’s laws allow individuals to give other people marijuana. But there are restrictions to keep in mind. 

You cannot give anyone less than 21 years any type of marijuana (except if they are in the medical program and have the consent of their guardian or parent). 

Whatever amount you give out cannot be in excess of possession limits and you cannot collect any financial consideration for the gift. So, if it’s a blunt, it’s okay so long as you stick to the rules. 

Can I Grow My Own Weed? 

Yes, you can. Adults who are above the age of 21 years can cultivate up to 4 marijuana plants so long as it’s done somewhere out of the public view. This means you can grow outdoors but it must not be open to the public. 

An important thing to keep in mind is that the cultivation limit is per household, not per adult. So, if you’re 3 adults living in the same house, you can still grow only four plants, and not 12. 

Also, if you live within 1,000 feet of a school, you must not grow any marijuana on your property. The law could come down hard on you if you violate this one, with possible jail terms of 25 years and fines up to $375,000. Don’t do it. 

Where Can I Enjoy My Weed? 

In Oregon, it’s pretty much the same as everywhere. You are required to enjoy your weed discreetly and in your own private residence. You cannot consume in public or any place accessible to the public. This includes bars, restaurants, parks, buses, airplanes etc. 

While enjoying your cannabis at home, keep in mind that your landlord may have a thing or two to say about it. The Oregon laws do not affect any existing landlord/tenant laws. This means if your landlord says No to weed, then No it is. 

In Oregon, it’s pretty much the same as everywhere. You are required to enjoy your weed discreetly and in your own private residence.

Can My Employer Fire Me For Using Marijuana?

Just the way it is with your landlord, the Oregon laws do not affect the responsibility on employers to maintain a drug/alcohol free workplace. 

So, you might want to avoid enjoying a smoke a while before work or when you’re on the job. 

Conclusion 

There nothing particularly extraordinary about the laws and legislations regulating the usage of marijuana in Oregon. This guide helps you understand what is acceptable and what is not. 

Make sure you observe the law, get your weed from licensed retailers only and enjoy your weed where it’s not going to turn out a problem for you. 

Check out our other Marijuana Legislation articles here.