Oregon Liquor Commission Archives

Oregon Garners $15 Million in Cannabis Taxes in First Five Months of 2016

June 23, 2016 by Anthony Martinelli

Cannabis being sold at Pure Green in Portland.

Legal cannabis sales in Oregon have netted the state roughly $15 million in taxes in the first five months of the year (from January 1st to May 30th). This is according to data released by the Oregon Department of Revenue.

Although the number pales in comparison to the $50 million in taxes Colorado has gained from cannabis sales in just the first four months of this year, Oregon’s sales are based strictly on the relatively small number of medical cannabis dispensaries that have opted to take advantage of a law passed last year that allows them to sell to anyone 21 and older – patient or not – until licensed cannabis retail outlets open next year (these outlets will be licensed by the Oregon Liquor Commission).

Oregon Governor Signs Bill Allowing Recreational Cannabis Sales to Begin October 1st

July 29, 2015July 28, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

As expected, Oregon Governor Kate Brown has signed Senate Bill 460 into law, allowing recreational cannabis sales to begin on October 1st.

The new law allows currently operating medical cannabis dispensaries to begin selling cannabis – including seeds and immature plants – to anyone 21 and older starting October 1st. Cannabis sales won’t be taxed.

According to the Oregon Health Authority, there are over 200 dispensaries operating throughout the state, with dozens more planning to open sometime in the near future. Each of these locations will be authorized to sell recreational cannabis once Senate Bill 460 takes effect.

One Week from Today Cannabis Will be Legal in Oregon

June 24, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

One week from today, on July 1st, recreational cannabis will become legal for those 21 and older in Oregon, thanks to the voter-approved initiative Measure 91.

Beginning midnight on July 1st, those 21 and older will be allowed to possess up to eight ounces of cannabis at a private residence, or up to an ounce of cannabis in public. In addition, adults will be authorized to cultivate up to four cannabis plants for personal use.

In 5 Weeks, the Most Progressive Cannabis Possession Law in the World Will take Effect

June 7, 2015May 27, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

In just five weeks, on Wednesday, July 1st, the possession and personal cultivation of cannabis will become legal in Oregon. The new law, which allows everyone 21 and older to possess up to half a pound of cannabis at a private residence (an ounce in public), will be the most progressive in the world in terms of how much cannabis an individual is allowed have in their possession.

To put it in perspective, if you’re caught with half a pound of cannabis in Washington State (anything over 40 grams), you can be charged with a class C felony, and imprisoned for up to five years (the same is true in Alaska). In Colorado, possessing half a pound is a misdemeanor with a potential year-long jail sentence.

Oregon: Cannabis Possession and Cultivation Becomes Legal on July 1st

May 11, 2015May 11, 2015 by Anthony Martinelli

In a little over 50 days, on July 1st, the possession and personal cultivation of cannabis will officially become legal for those 21 and older in the State of Oregon.

Specifically, those 21 and older, beginning July 1st, will be legally authorized to possess up to eight ounces of cannabis (half a pound), and cultivate up to four cannabis plants for personal use. This is due to portions of Measure 91, approved by voters in November, becoming law.

The Oregon Liquor Commission has until January 1st, 2016 to establish rules and regulations for cannabis retail outlets, which are expected to open by mid-2016. These outlets will be locations where anyone 21 and older can purchase cannabis, including seeds and plants.