Oregon

Is weed legal in Oregon?

Yes. In Oregon adults 21 and older are allowed to possess and use cannabis, which can be purchased from a marijuana dispensary. Adult-use cannabis has been legal in the state since 2014; medical marijuana has been legal since 1998. 

Legislation history

Following Oregon voters' passage of Measure 67, the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act, in 1998, the state became one of the first to implement a medical cannabis program. In 2014, voters in the Beaver State approved the Control, Regulation, and Taxation of Marijuana and Industrial Hemp Act, or Measure 91, legalizing the sale, possession, and use of recreational cannabis.

New laws have gone into effect to address regulatory issues in the marketplace, from curbing illegal marijuana sales to keeping cannabis accessible to those who need it. In December 2018 the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC), which regulates the state's marijuana market, tightened its licensing rules. In June 2019 the passage of SB 218 took things a step further, granting the OLCC permission to refuse initial production licenses at the department's discretion.

The OLCC controls all licensing and regulation of the Oregon recreational weed market, while the Oregon Health Authority oversees licensing and regulation of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP).

Purchasing cannabis

Under Oregon adult-use marijuana laws, consumers ages 21 and older are allowed to buy the following at one time or in a day: 

  • 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower 
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) of a cannabis product in solid form
  • 72 ounces (2 liters) in liquid form
  • 5 grams intended for smoking or vaping
  • 5 grams of concentrates
  • Four immature plants
  • 10 seeds

Maximum THC limits per container for adult-use cannabis products are:

  • 50 milligrams in edibles
  • 6% in topicals
  • 1 gram in tinctures
  • 100 mg capsules
  • 1 gram extracts
  • 1 gram other items, including those not intended for human consumption

The Oregon Department of Revenue requires a 17% retail sales tax on cannabis and cannabis-infused products, and up to 3% in local taxes in some locations. Cannabis may only be purchased from an OLCC-licensed retailer.

Medical marijuana patients and their caregivers can buy cannabis from an OLCC-sanctioned retailer or an OMMP-approved dispensary as long as they have photo identification and a valid OMMP card. They are allowed to purchase:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) of flower
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) of a cannabis product in solid form
  • 72 ounces (2 liters) in liquid form
  • 16 ounces of concentrates
  • 5 grams of extract
  • Four immature plants
  • 50 seeds

Maximum THC limits per container for medical cannabis products are:

  • 100 milligrams in edibles
  • 6% in topicals
  • 4 grams in tinctures
  • 4 grams capsules
  • 4 grams extracts
  • 4 grams other items, including those not intended for human consumption

Retailers are allowed to deliver cannabis to patients, caregivers, and adult-use consumers throughout the state. Retailers registered to serve medical marijuana patients may even deliver to places in Oregon where marijuana sales are not allowed.

Finding licensed dispensaries in Oregon

Consumers can find licensed dispensaries in Oregon and search by city including Eugene, Portland, and Salem. Many dispensaries in Oregon offer delivery and curbside pickup services in addition to storefront sales.

Where is it safe to consume cannabis in Oregon?

Adults ages 21 and older can legally consume cannabis on private property. They are not allowed to consume recreational marijuana in a public place, including establishments such as bars and restaurants licensed to serve liquor. Consuming cannabis is also illegal in a parked car in public view, while driving, or riding as a passenger.

Possessing cannabis in Oregon

Recreational consumers may possess up to:

  • 1 ounce (28 grams) of cannabis flower 
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) of a cannabis product in solid form
  • 72 ounces (2 liters) in liquid form
  • 5 grams intended for smoking or vaping
  • 5 grams of concentrates
  • Four immature plants

Gifting to adults ages 21 and older is allowed if it doesn't exceed possession limits. It cannot include a financial transaction — such as a raffle, cover charge, or donation. The state considers these actions a marijuana sale. Extracts and concentrates purchased from licensed retailers are allowed but homemade ones are illegal.

Federal law makes it illegal to bring cannabis purchased in another state to Oregon or to travel with cannabis purchased in Oregon to another state, including the neighboring adult-use states of California, Nevada, and Washington.

Patients and their caregivers may possess up to:

  • 24 ounces (680 grams) of flower
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) of a cannabis product in solid form
  • 72 ounces (2 liters) in liquid form
  • 16 ounces (454 grams) of concentrates
  • 5 grams of extract 
  • Four immature plants
  • 50 seeds

Is home cultivation allowed in Oregon?

Adults ages 21 and older may grow up to four marijuana plants at home or on private property out of public view. Renters must check with their landlords, who retain the right to limit cannabis use and cultivation on their properties.

Patients growing medical marijuana or assigning a grower must provide the OMMP with the name of the grower and grow site address, which must be in Oregon. Once approved, medical patients are permitted to cultivate six mature plants and 12 immature ones.

Medical marijuana registry

The Oregon Health Authority oversees all licensing and regulatory oversight of the OMMP.

Qualifying conditions

  • Cancer
  • Glaucoma
  • A degenerative or pervasive neurological condition
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • A medical condition or treatment for a medical condition that results in one or more of the following:
    • Cachexia, or wasting syndrome
    • Persistent muscle spasms, including those associated with multiple sclerosis
    • Seizures, including those caused by epilepsy
    • Severe nausea
    • Severe pain

Patient qualifications

Patients must have a qualifying condition and a doctor's recommendation to obtain a medical marijuana card. The physician must be a licensed Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) and be the patient's primary physician.

Registry process

  • Submit a completed application.
  • Include a physician statement signed within 90 days
  • Furnish a valid state or federal ID for the patient
  • Assign a primary caregiver and grower, if applicable
  • Pay a $200 application and card fee, plus a $200 optional grow site registration fee

Patients on public assistance programs and veterans pay reduced fees. Once approved, patients will need to go through an OMMP renewal every year.

Caregivers

A patient may designate a caregiver to help them obtain, use, or grow cannabis. Patients younger than 18 must assign a caregiver. Caregivers must be at least 21 years old and Oregon residents with valid state or federal identification.

Registry process

Patients may designate a caregiver on their medical card application.

Reciprocity

To buy medical marijuana from a dispensary, patients must follow Oregon dispensary rules and show a valid OMMP card. While there is no reciprocity for out-of-state medical marijuana patients, non-residents aged 21 and older can purchase cannabis from the adult-use market. 

Lab testing

Harvested medical and recreational cannabis, including marijuana-infused products, must be tested to ensure quality and safety.

Testing is required for:

  • Cannabinoid concentration
  • Heavy metals
  • Microbiological contaminants
  • Moisture
  • Pesticides
  • Residual solvents
  • Water activity

Frequently asked questions

How has the legalization of marijuana impacted Oregon?

The state collects $10 million in tax revenue each month from the taxation of legal weed sales. That's significantly more than the $2 to $3 million it expected to take in. 

What is the law regarding the legalization of recreational marijuana in Oregon?

The law that legalized the recreational use of marijuana in Oregon is the Control, Regulation, and Taxation of Marijuana and Industrial Hemp Act, or Measure 91. If you're looking for possession limits, you can find those on this page under Possessing Cannabis or on the Oregon Liquor Control Commission's FAQ page.

How do you get an OMMP card in Oregon?

Patients must have a qualifying condition and a doctor's recommendation to obtain a medical marijuana card. The physician must be a licensed Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) and be the patient's primary physician. 

The registry process is as follows: 

  • Access the OMMP website and submit a completed application.
  • Include a physician statement signed within 90 days
  • Furnish a valid state or federal ID for the patient
  • Assign a primary caregiver and grower, if applicable
  • Pay a $200 application and card fee, plus a $200 optional grow site registration fee

What does OMMP stand for?

OMMP stands for the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program.

How much is a grow license in Oregon?

For medical marijuana growers with more than 12 plants, the license fee is $200. A license for growing cannabis for Oregon's adult market varies depending on the number of plants grown. 

This page was last updated March 18, 2021.

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The information contained in this site is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical or legal advice. This page was last updated on August 24, 2021.