Oregon has always been ahead of the game where cannabis is concerned: this state decriminalized cannabis use back in 1973 before it was fashionable. Over 40 years later and Oregon is still helping to pave the way for marijuana use. November 2014 saw state lawmakers vote to legalize recreational use, and the implementation of this new legislation kicked off on July 1st, 2015. That means it’s always a good time to get your hands on some cannabis in Oregon.
Cannabis Culture in Oregon
With decades of experience under their belt, it should come as no surprise that there is a ripe and bustling cannabis culture in Oregon, fostered by a handful of fun and interesting tours (homegrown cannabis and wine? Yes please!). Recreational use in the state is for “adults only”, so if you’re 21 and older, get ready to party (on private property, of course)! If a tour’s not up your alley, you may want to consider one of the few businesses state-wide that fall into the “speakeasy” category, and allow pot consumption on their premises. You’ll have to do a little sleuthing to figure out where these are, however, since they aren’t listed on any public directory.
Giving the Gift of Cannabis
Even though pot use is now legal in Oregon, only shops that have been licensed by the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) are allowed to sell cannabis and cannabis products to both recreational users and patients participating in the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP). You can gift cannabis to friends and family, however. Who wouldn’t love a little green wrapped up in a big bow? Fun fact: Eugene, Oregon is known as a “glass-blowing mecca”. What does this have to do with cannabis? Oregon is known for the gorgeous handblown glass pipes and bongs, driven by visionary Bob Snodgrass and started during the Grateful Dead Era.
Cultivating Cannabis in Oregon
With such a liberal view of cannabis, it should come as no surprise that Oregonian law allows residents of the state to plant Oregon cannabis seeds in the comfort of their own homes. Legally, you’re allowed up to four plants on your own private property. If you’re thinking about planting outside, your little buds will have to be hidden behind a fence or other barrier. The police probably won’t bother much, but you run the risk of getting a slap on the wrist if you’re growing in public view or a nosey neighbor lodges a complaint.
Rules to remember when you’re growing cannabis in Oregon:
- Be Discreet! You never know who’s watching.
- Don’t Be Greedy! Stick to the four-plant limit.
- Don’t Make Cannabis Concentrates! It’s totally against Oregon law. If you’re not a fan of smoking or vaporizing, try your hand at edibles – cannabutter can be added to almost any recipe for a therapeutic take on food.
Now that you’ve decided to go ahead and start your own cannabis garden at home, you’re going to need the right supplies. Starter plants can be bought by OMMP patients and their caregivers tax-free, while recreational users can pick up a starter or clone from dispensaries for an extra fee. If you’d rather start from scratch so you know exactly what your plants have gone through from beginning to end, why not purchase Oregon cannabis seeds like those available in our online catalog. The process from germination to harvest may take a little longer, but we guarantee you’ll be more than pleased with the end result!
Oregon’s Cannabis Laws in 2022
Beginning on January 1st, 2022, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) outlined new law changes going into effect for the sale of cannabis products. Most of the rules specifically affect the sale and distribution of cannabis products, but there is news for consumers as well. These changes will increase the amount customers can buy as well as regulate safer packaging with better information on dosage and ingredients. The amount of smokable cannabis you can purchase as a recreational user has been increased from one ounce to two ounces. As we are seeing a surge in the COVID-19 Omicron variant this raise comes at the perfect time for people trying to limit their contact with the outside world.
Now is the perfect time to stock up, stay home and light up. This increase will also affect THC-based concentrated edibles. You can now purchase 100 MG of edible concentrates which are doubled from the previous 50 MG. There are also some changes coming to cannabis delivery, which will now allow some counties and cities to deliver to areas outside their formerly regulated radiuses. This will potentially allow more access for cannabis users in rural or disputed areas who may not feel comfortable or have the access to go to a dispensary. There will also be an increased focus on the safety and regulation of artificial cannabis products. Manufacturers will now need to provide GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) grade certification to the FDA before being sold to consumers. As consumable cannabis becomes more popular this is an important step in expecting the same level of quality with cannabis consumables as you would regular food items.
