Oregon Rec Rules Materializing, Early Sales Possible

Rules governing Oregon’s recreational marijuana market are taking shape, with state lawmakers sending two bills establishing regulations on the industry to the governor.

At the same time, the state Senate has passed a proposal that would allow adult-use sales to start on Oct. 1, moving the bill to the House.

One of the measures awaiting Gov. Kate Brown’s signature would require recreational shops to collect a 17% tax from consumers on cannabis sales – a much lower rate than in nearby Washington State.

The other bill on the governor’s desk would create a framework for the recreational market. The bill has several provisions, including those involving the size of cannabis plants, seed-to-sale tracking and testing, according to the Statesman Journal.

It also establishes rules on what can be printed on packages, the newspaper reported.

The first recreational stores are slated to open next year. But given that cannabis possession and use is legal as of today, some lawmakers want sales to start earlier to prevent individuals from going to the black market.

To that end, the state Senate has approved a bill that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to begin selling recreational cannabis (but not infused products) to adults 21-and-over on Oct. 1. The House now takes up the issue.