Oregon Marijuana Laws
What’s not to love about Oregon? From the bustle of Portland to the scenic beauty of Bend and Crater Lake, there’s something for everyone. And many Oregonians love that their state has some of the friendliest marijuana laws in the country. However, it’s not a ganja free-for-all: there are particular rules about who can light up and where. So before you risk fines and jail time, know what you’re getting into by becoming familiar with Oregon marijuana laws.
What Oregon Law Says About Medical Marijuana
Oregon was one of the first states to legalize medical marijuana back in 1998. Under the state’s laws, people with a qualifying medical condition and a written recommendation from a physician may apply for a medical marijuana card. Qualifying medical conditions include:
- Cancer
- HIV/AIDS
- Severe pain or nausea
- Seizures
In Oregon, a medical marijuana patient may:
- Possess up to 24 ounces of usable marijuana (Sec. 475B.430);
- Possess up to six mature marijuana plants (Sec. 475B.428)
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon
You must submit a registry application with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) in order to obtain an OMMP registry identification card. Once your application, registry fee, and all attachments are verified by the OMMP, your card will be sent and will allow you to possess and use medical marijuana.
What the Oregon Recreational Marijuana Law Says
Although Oregon was the first state to reduce penalties for weed-related offenses in the 1970’s, it didn’t legalize recreational marijuana use until 2014. According to Oregon law, an adult over 21 may:
- Purchase/possess up to eight ounces of usable marijuana for personal use (Sec. 475B.245)
- Grow up to four marijuana plants (Sec. 475B.245)
- Give no more than one ounce of usable marijuana to another person over 21, as long as it’s not for money or commercial purposes (Sec. 475B.245)
What’s Still Against the Law?
- Driving under the influence of marijuana (Sec. 475B.478 and 813.010)
- Using marijuana in public (Sec. 475B.478 and 161.135)
- Possessing more than one ounce of usable marijuana in a public space (Sec. 475.864)
- Selling marijuana without a license (Sec. 475.860)
Federal Marijuana Laws
It’s important to note that even though recreational and medicinal marijuana are legal under Oregon marijuana laws, they’re still technically illegal under federal law. This means that it’s illegal to transport the drug across state lines. However, in 2013, the Department of justice announced that it was changing its enforcement priorities to focus on things like preventing the funding of gangs and the distribution of weed to minors.
I Was Caught Growing Too Much Weed: What’s Next?
Even though Oregon has relaxed its marijuana laws a lot, there are still serious consequences for violating current law. For example, if you’re a recreational user and you grow more than eight plants at home, you could go to prison for five years and pay a $125,000 fine (Sec. 475.856, 161.605, and 161.625). Whatever the circumstance, an attorney can be crucial in protecting your rights and helping you avoid or minimize jail time.