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Oregon has one of the country’s largest cannabis markets. To be part of Oregon’s flourishing cannabis industry, it’s essential to understand the latest cannabis laws. Here, we cover everything you need to know about Oregon’s cannabis laws.

Is Weed Legal in Oregon?

Yes, cannabis is legal for medical and recreational use in Oregon. The Oregon Medical Marijuana Act was established in 1998. Cannabis was legalized in the state in 2015. Oregon was the first state to decriminalize cannabis and one of the first to legalize its medicinal use.

Oregon's Cannabis Laws – Medical

Oregon allows patients with a doctor’s recommendation and a qualifying condition to apply for the state’s medical cannabis program.

Qualifying Conditions

Cancer, glaucoma, a degenerative or pervasive neurological condition, HIV/AIDS, PTSD, a medical condition that produces one or more of the following: cachexia (wasting syndrome), severe pain, severe nausea, seizures (including but not limited to seizures caused by epilepsy), and persistent muscle spasms (including but not limited to those caused by multiple sclerosis)

Patient Requirements

  • $200 fee (reduced fee available, based on government assistance received)
  • Must be 18 years of age or older; minor patients must meet additional requirements
  • Attending physician statement
  • Grow site form/information
  • Completed application with all related forms and requirements

Caregiver Requirements

  • No added fee; information provided on patient application
  • Must be at least 21 years old
  • Background check and no excluding offense
  • Completed application with all related forms and requirements

Medical Possession Limit

Cardholding medical cannabis patients can possess up to 24 oz of usable cannabis, 16 oz of cannabis in solid form, 72 fluid oz of cannabis in liquid form, 16 oz of concentrates, 5 gm of extract, 50 seeds, and 4 immature plants.

Medical Cultivation Limit

Each patient may have 6 mature plants, 12 immature plants taller than 24 inches, and 36 immature plants shorter than 24 inches. Other limits to medical cultivation apply based on zoning and previous laws with patients being grandfathered in.

How Do I Apply for the Medical Cannabis Program?

Applying for a medical cannabis card in Oregon is easy. You need a medical cannabis recommendation from a licensed doctor who can determine if you have a qualifying condition. You can apply for a medical card online or by mail with a doctor's recommendation.

We provide all the guidance you need to get a medical card or be a primary caregiver in Oregon in our blog post: How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon.

Recreational Cannabis Laws

Oregon allows adults over 21 to possess, buy, use, and grow cannabis.

Recreational Possession Limit

Adults can possess up to 2 oz of flower (8 oz at home), 1 oz of concentrates, 16 oz of infused solids, 72 fluid oz of infused liquids, 10 seeds, and 4 plants. Adults can gift up to 1 oz of flower and other products with restrictions.

Recreational Cultivation Limit

Adults can grow up to 4 plants per residence with some restrictions.

Where Can I Consume Cannabis?

Public cannabis consumption is illegal. Public places are areas accessible to the general public. Adults 21 and older can use recreational cannabis at home or on private property. Landlords have the right to restrict cannabis use and cultivation on their property.

Does Oregon Accept Out-of-State Medical Cards?

No, Oregon does not accept out-of-state medical cannabis cards. However, cannabis is legal, so you can buy it from a dispensary if you are over 21.

Cannabis Business Laws

Program Type: Medical and Recreational

Vertical Integration: Optional

License Availability:

  • Medical: Application accepted on a rolling basis
  • Recreational: Unlimited

Applications:

Licensing Fees:

Inventory Tracking System: Metrc

Further Reading: 

Hemp Business Laws

Controlling Departments: Oregon Department of Agriculture and the Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission

Applications:

Fees:

Oregon Cannabis Employee Laws

Medical Program

Minimum age: 21 (18 if OMMP patient)

Legal requirements: No fee

Training requirements: Not required

Card: No card issued

Recreational Program

Minimum age: 21

Legal requirements:

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  • $100 fee
  • Background check, no disqualifying offenses
  • Completed application

Training requirements: Must pass a state test

Card: Marijuana Worker Permit issued by state

Further Reading: 

Unlawful Activity

  • Driving under the influence of cannabis: DUI
  • Possession in public of 1 to 2 oz of flower: Violation
  • Possession in public of more than 2 oz: Misdemeanor
  • Possession in private of the following is a criminal violation: 8 to 16 oz flower, 16 to 32 oz edibles, 72 to 144 oz topicals, 1 to 2 oz concentrate
  • Possession in private of the following is a misdemeanor: 16 to 128 oz flower, 32 to 256 oz edibles, 144 to 1152 oz topicals, 2 to 16 oz concentrate
  • Possession in private of larger amounts: Felony
  • Distribution of 1 to 16 oz with no money: Violation
  • Distribution of 2 to 15 oz flower or less than ¼ oz concentrate: Misdemeanor
  • Distribution of 16 oz or more: Misdemeanor
  • Distribution to a minor or within 1,000 feet of schools: Felony
  • Cultivation without property owner’s consent: Civil fine
  • Cultivation of 4 to 8 plants: Misdemeanor
  • Cultivation of more than 8 plants: Felony

Learn Cannabis Laws from Around the World at CTU

Cannabis Training University offers flexible online cannabis training for students looking to enter the cannabis industry. Explore a world-renowned curriculum covering cannabis cultivation, cooking, extraction, medicine, and business. Stay up to date with the latest cannabis laws with CTU.

Fred Hernandez - Cannabis industry expert writer
Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.

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