There is a daily countdown in Oregon as every adult over the age of 21 will be able possess, cultivate and consume cannabis on July 1st. While marijuana has been widely available and a relatively low law enforcement priority (especially in Portland),it still just feels good to know that we no longer will be considered criminals under state law. There will certainly be a celebratory period, but we need to do our best to respect people who dislike cannabis and remember that Oregon’s experience will greatly impact states with upcoming legalization measures.
To know what to expect and to help ensure that folks follow the law, The Oregonian provided a Q&A for readers regarding the new law:
How much marijuana can I have?
A: In addition to growing four plants and possessing up to 8 ounces at home or 1 ounce away from home, anyone 21 and older can possess up to 1 pound of solid edibles, or about 10 chocolate bars; 72 ounces of marijuana-infused liquid, or a six-pack of 12-ounce sodas; and 1 ounce of marijuana extract.
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What is the penalty for public consumption?
A: Consuming marijuana in public is a class B violation, the equivalent to a traffic ticket. The punishment is a fine of up to $1,000.
The Oregonian’s Noelle Crombie has been covering the marijuana beat for the Northwest’s largest newspaper for a few years, so she has immersed herself in all things cannabis, striving to provide accurate answers for her readers, so the entire Q&A is definitely worth checking out. The Oregonian will certainly be covering all of the ins and outs of the July 1st legalization date and then we will likely see coverage pick up again around October 1st, regulated sales thru existing medical dispensaries get approved as expected.
July 1st is an historic day in Oregon and cannabis history, so let’s all celebrate in a responsible way, knowing that we have an obligation to help the cause across the country. If you are in the Portland area, Portland NORML is helping kick off the landmark day at midnight, helping facilitate free seeds and marijuana. Personally, I am just absolutely giddy about legal marijuana in Oregon and am so excited for what the future holds for the marijuana movement in the upcoming years.
