Medical Marijuana Oregon
In 1988, the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act (“OMMA”) was approved allowing patients with a valid ID to possess, use, and cultivate cannabis for medical purposes. The initiative also allows patients to designate a primary caregiver to assist them. It wasn’t until 2012, the medical marijuana laws were amended to approve medical marijuana dispensaries, including a patient registry system.
Oregon enacted HB 3460, in 2013, which authorized the creation of state-licensed medical cannabis facilities. 2017 was a huge year for Oregon’s medical marijuana program as Oregon legislators passed a package of bills (SB 56, SB 1057 and HB 2198) that allowed patients to cultivate up to twelve (12) mature plants at home or registered grow sites, required new testing procedures and introduced new environmental and zoning rules, and allowed caregivers to assist patients with the production of cannabis or processing of concentrates.
Recreational Cannabis in Oregon
In 2014, voters voted “Yes” to allow adult-use and possession of marijuana for adults 21 years and older. Shortly after, the Control, Regulation, and Taxation of Marijuana and Industrial Hemp Act eliminated penalties for individuals 21 and older who had marijuana and grew a limited amount of the plant, as well as directing the Oregon Liquor Commission to establish a system of strictly regulated and registered marijuana producers, wholesalers, processors, and retailers. The Adult-Use Cannabis Program in Oregon is regulated by Chapter 475C. By 2016, the newly formed Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (“OLCC”) began accepting applications for licenses from individuals and businesses interested in participating in the regulated adult-use marijuana market. The OLCC implemented strict regulations regarding cultivation, processing, testing, and retail sales to ensure public safety and prevent the diversion of marijuana to the black market.
Type of Cannabis Licenses in Oregon
- Producer
- Processor
- Retailer
- Wholesaler
- Laboratory
Applications for Adult-Use Cannabis Business Licenses in Oregon
Currently, the OLCC will not be accepting applications for new Producer, Wholesaler, Retailer, or Processor licenses until March 31st, 2024.
If you are interested in applying for a new Laboratory license or a Research Certificate, the OLCC is accepting applications.
Contact an Oregon Marijuana Business License Consultant
For those interested in joining Oregon’s billion-dollar marijuana market, now is the time to work with a Team of Oregon cannabis business consultants to prepare to apply in the upcoming 2024 round. Contact us today to discuss your options!
Last Updated: July 6th, 2023