Robert Celt
New Member
A bill that would make it easier for some smaller medical marijuana growers to enter the regulated recreational market is headed to the governor's desk after clearing the Oregon House Wednesday.
Senate Bill 1598 passed in a 38-20 vote. The Oregon Senate approved the bill earlier this week.
SB 1598 would allow certain growers to apply for a state recreational marijuana license without having to first obtain a land-use compatibility statement.
Those statements are issued by local governments and confirm that a marijuana production site meets local zoning rules.
Under current law, all marijuana producers applying for an Oregon Liquor Control Commission license must get a land-use statement. The proposed legislation removes that requirement for small-scale marijuana growers located outside of city limits, provided they were registered with the Oregon Health Authority before Jan. 1, 2015.
The provision is intended to help bring smaller growers into the regulated recreational marijuana system through a so-called micro-canopy license, which would come with lower fees and fewer requirements.
"There are many competing interests in the cannabis world," said Rep. Carl Wilson, R-Grants Pass. "This committee has worked tirelessly to balance those competing interests."
Senate Bill 1598 also adds medical and research marijuana grows as recognized farm crops, making them easier to locate in exclusive farm use areas and protecting them from lawsuits filed by neighbors over perceived nuisances like odor and noise. Recreational marijuana grow sites are already recognized as farm crops under state law.
The proposed legislation also makes clear that local governments can impose "reasonable" time, place, and manner regulations on those marijuana operations. The bill also:
- Clarifies that home medical marijuana grows aren't subject to inspection by the Oregon Health Authority.
- Creates a sub-category of dispensaries for nonprofits. These establishments would be allowed to accept excess marijuana from growers and sell to patients for little or no cost.
- Requires the health authority to study medical marijuana access in areas underserved by dispensaries and retailers once the state's regulated marijuana industry is off the ground.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bill For Smaller MMJ Growers To Enter Recreational Market Awaits Signature
Author: Noelle Crombie
Contact: OregonLive
Photo Credit: None found
Website: OregonLive
Senate Bill 1598 passed in a 38-20 vote. The Oregon Senate approved the bill earlier this week.
SB 1598 would allow certain growers to apply for a state recreational marijuana license without having to first obtain a land-use compatibility statement.
Those statements are issued by local governments and confirm that a marijuana production site meets local zoning rules.
Under current law, all marijuana producers applying for an Oregon Liquor Control Commission license must get a land-use statement. The proposed legislation removes that requirement for small-scale marijuana growers located outside of city limits, provided they were registered with the Oregon Health Authority before Jan. 1, 2015.
The provision is intended to help bring smaller growers into the regulated recreational marijuana system through a so-called micro-canopy license, which would come with lower fees and fewer requirements.
"There are many competing interests in the cannabis world," said Rep. Carl Wilson, R-Grants Pass. "This committee has worked tirelessly to balance those competing interests."
Senate Bill 1598 also adds medical and research marijuana grows as recognized farm crops, making them easier to locate in exclusive farm use areas and protecting them from lawsuits filed by neighbors over perceived nuisances like odor and noise. Recreational marijuana grow sites are already recognized as farm crops under state law.
The proposed legislation also makes clear that local governments can impose "reasonable" time, place, and manner regulations on those marijuana operations. The bill also:
- Clarifies that home medical marijuana grows aren't subject to inspection by the Oregon Health Authority.
- Creates a sub-category of dispensaries for nonprofits. These establishments would be allowed to accept excess marijuana from growers and sell to patients for little or no cost.
- Requires the health authority to study medical marijuana access in areas underserved by dispensaries and retailers once the state's regulated marijuana industry is off the ground.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Bill For Smaller MMJ Growers To Enter Recreational Market Awaits Signature
Author: Noelle Crombie
Contact: OregonLive
Photo Credit: None found
Website: OregonLive
