Oregon usable marijuana holdings hit two ounces, but pharmacies are lagging behind

On June 23, 2021, Governor Kate Brown signed Law SB 408, which included a number of key reforms that Orange’s cannabis industry has advocated for years. The main supporter of SB 408 at that session was the Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association (ORCA).

In my opinion, the most important aspect of this bill for consumers is the fact that the amount of “usable marijuana” (i.e. cannabis flowers and pre-rolls) was immediately increased from one ounce to two ounces. It is now perfectly legal for individuals to move around the state with up to two ounces of cannabis flowers or pre-rolls without fear of harassment from law enforcement or other cannabigots.

Photo by Heath Korvola / Getty Images

That being said, OLCC rules limit the amount of usable marijuana a recreational consumer can purchase from a pharmacy to no more than an ounce. Although it is now legal to wear up to two ounces in public, you cannot buy everything at a pharmacy. In fact, OLCC’s purchasing rules have historically tracked legal restrictions on public transportation, and OLCC has opposed calls to increase retailers ‘and consumer groups’ purchasing restrictions on that basis.

RELATED: Oregon Senate Approves Sales Tax Hike for Marijuana Users

In fact, it’s a rule that forbids consumers from buying an ounce of their favorite variety while also buying a few pre-rolls to try new varieties – a result that consumers find inconvenient and incoherent. However, three weeks have passed without OLCC taking any action to temporarily change its rules to allow consumers to purchase up to the limit permitted by law.

CALL TO ACTION

OLCC, using its limited regulatory authority, should immediately authorize the sale of up to two ounces of usable marijuana by consumers in licensed pharmacies.

Kevin Jacoby is an attorney with the Green Light Law Group. He has focused his professional career on advising small and medium-sized companies on procedural matters as well as on all aspects of administrative compliance and the employment relationship. In addition to business-to-business processes, Kevin has devoted a significant part of his practice to administrative law. You can contact Kevin at info@gl-lg.com or 503-488-5424.

This article originally appeared in the Green Light Law Group and was republished with permission.