Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
It's just been over two months since marijuana legalization went into effect in Oregon. Those involved in cannabis in the state told GoLocalPDX that while plenty has changed in the state in the past 60 days, there are lots of changes to prepare for in the coming weeks.
The next date that many in the cannabis community have circled on their calendars is October 1. That's when already licensed medical marijuana stores will be allowed to sell to recreational patientsLeah Maurer, co-President of Portland's Women Grow chapter, told GoLocal she thinks it will mean big things for those trying to make a living off the now-legal plant.
"For the industry it's going to be huge," she said. "It's a good opportunity for the general public to really step into dispensary and see what they're like, and understand that these are legit business-people running them. They're not not that different from them or their family."
Mark Pettinger, spokesman for the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, which is in charge of marijuana regulations in the state, said the Commission was busy drafting up rules for the manufacture, sale and purchase of cannabis in the state.
"The OLCC has continued to focus on the rules making process for marijuana," he said, pointing out that marijuana in the state is essentially a brand new product, meaning there is much to be learned about it.
"The Rules Advisory Committee is working in subcommittees on a number of issues," related to marijuana regulation, he said, including looking at rules surrounding processing, selling and packing of marijuana. "We are utilizing the expertise of those in the industry and other stakeholders to form these rules."
Preparing For Sale
Maurer said she thinks it is an exciting time to be in Oregon and to be in the cannabis community.
"It's really refreshing being able to posses cannabis on your person...or in your home, it's a great thing," Maurer said.
She also said she was pleased to see marijuana become more socially acceptable. .
"It's really going to be a game changer for a lot of people," she said. "People can walk into the grocery store and buy their groceries, then walk down a few blocks and walk into a dispensary...They can know what the potency levels are, where it was grown, and really understand what they're consuming."
Pettinger, of the OLCC, said that when medical marijuana dispensaries do open their doors to recreational customers, it will be important to note that the OLCC will not be in control.
"This being a new industry and a new product available to consumers, there is going to be some overlap in what the Oregon Health Authority will regulate and what the OLCC will ultimately regulate," he said. "For early sales, the Oregon Health Authority will be in control, not the OLCC."
The OHA has already set rules for the early sell period that kicks off next month. Dispensaries will only be able to sell a quarter-ounce of cannabis at one time, and there will be a 25 percent tax on any purchases.
Rules, Registration On The Way
Pettinger said the regulations that the RAC comes up with will regulate almost every aspect of the industry.
"These are the rules for how your going to operate as a legal business," he said.
The target date for completion is sometime in October of this year. At that point, the rules will be adopted on a temporary basis, allowing regulators to see what needs fixing before they are permanently adopted.
"The rules will be adopted permanently sometime later in 2016," he said. "This allows time to make adjustments, and also allows time for the Legislature to weigh in."
The OLCC is also working on an on-line registration system, which Pettinger said should be done in early January.
"We're continuing to work on an online registration system, where potential licensees can apply for one of the six licenses online," he said.
Those who wish to be involved in the cannabis industry in Oregon will need to apply for a license as a grower, processor, wholesaler, retailer, researcher or laboratory. Pettinger said that those with plans for large-scale marijuana business will be allowed to apply for multiple licenses.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: GoLocalPDX | Two Months After Marijuana Legalization, More Changes on Way
Author: Brendan Murray
Contact: GoLocalPDX
Photo Credit: The Associated Press/Brennan Linsley
Website: GoLocalPDX
The next date that many in the cannabis community have circled on their calendars is October 1. That's when already licensed medical marijuana stores will be allowed to sell to recreational patientsLeah Maurer, co-President of Portland's Women Grow chapter, told GoLocal she thinks it will mean big things for those trying to make a living off the now-legal plant.
"For the industry it's going to be huge," she said. "It's a good opportunity for the general public to really step into dispensary and see what they're like, and understand that these are legit business-people running them. They're not not that different from them or their family."
Mark Pettinger, spokesman for the Oregon Liquor Control Commission, which is in charge of marijuana regulations in the state, said the Commission was busy drafting up rules for the manufacture, sale and purchase of cannabis in the state.
"The OLCC has continued to focus on the rules making process for marijuana," he said, pointing out that marijuana in the state is essentially a brand new product, meaning there is much to be learned about it.
"The Rules Advisory Committee is working in subcommittees on a number of issues," related to marijuana regulation, he said, including looking at rules surrounding processing, selling and packing of marijuana. "We are utilizing the expertise of those in the industry and other stakeholders to form these rules."
Preparing For Sale
Maurer said she thinks it is an exciting time to be in Oregon and to be in the cannabis community.
"It's really refreshing being able to posses cannabis on your person...or in your home, it's a great thing," Maurer said.
She also said she was pleased to see marijuana become more socially acceptable. .
"It's really going to be a game changer for a lot of people," she said. "People can walk into the grocery store and buy their groceries, then walk down a few blocks and walk into a dispensary...They can know what the potency levels are, where it was grown, and really understand what they're consuming."
Pettinger, of the OLCC, said that when medical marijuana dispensaries do open their doors to recreational customers, it will be important to note that the OLCC will not be in control.
"This being a new industry and a new product available to consumers, there is going to be some overlap in what the Oregon Health Authority will regulate and what the OLCC will ultimately regulate," he said. "For early sales, the Oregon Health Authority will be in control, not the OLCC."
The OHA has already set rules for the early sell period that kicks off next month. Dispensaries will only be able to sell a quarter-ounce of cannabis at one time, and there will be a 25 percent tax on any purchases.
Rules, Registration On The Way
Pettinger said the regulations that the RAC comes up with will regulate almost every aspect of the industry.
"These are the rules for how your going to operate as a legal business," he said.
The target date for completion is sometime in October of this year. At that point, the rules will be adopted on a temporary basis, allowing regulators to see what needs fixing before they are permanently adopted.
"The rules will be adopted permanently sometime later in 2016," he said. "This allows time to make adjustments, and also allows time for the Legislature to weigh in."
The OLCC is also working on an on-line registration system, which Pettinger said should be done in early January.
"We're continuing to work on an online registration system, where potential licensees can apply for one of the six licenses online," he said.
Those who wish to be involved in the cannabis industry in Oregon will need to apply for a license as a grower, processor, wholesaler, retailer, researcher or laboratory. Pettinger said that those with plans for large-scale marijuana business will be allowed to apply for multiple licenses.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: GoLocalPDX | Two Months After Marijuana Legalization, More Changes on Way
Author: Brendan Murray
Contact: GoLocalPDX
Photo Credit: The Associated Press/Brennan Linsley
Website: GoLocalPDX
