Licensing Delay Could Hurt Oregon Extract Companies

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The Oregon Health Authority plans to launch the licensing application process for commercial extract companies on April 1, and in the meantime, is warning medical marijuana dispensaries not to accept cannabis extracts from unlicensed processors.

The wait will likely disrupt the state’s marijuana processing industry, which makes extracted products like butane hash oil and CO2 oil for the MMJ market, according to The Oregonian.

Dispensaries can keep selling extracted products already on their shelves, but there will likely be a pause on new products until the licensing system is operational.

The manager of the state’s medical marijuana program, Andre Ourso, told the paper that licensing is just the first step in a months-long process which involves reviewing applications, making sure companies are compliant with local fire safety requirements and other rules, and testing products for pesticides.

On top of that, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed a bill this month make the unlicensed production of marijuana extracts a felony.