Oregon Ballot Measure 91, better than Washington I-502?

As we get closer to the November election and the potential (likely?) passage of Ballot Measure 91 in Oregon, the most common question we hear asked is, “what is recreational marijuana in Oregon going to look like?”. That question is almost always closely followed by people asking if the recreational licensing and implementation process is going to be like Washington’s I-502 process.

As one of two states with recreational cannabis use, Washington should be a leader in how to implement, and build, a legal cannabis market. But, it’s not. Here’s a pretty great article about some of the big issues. https://www.inlander.com/spokane/more-money-more-problems/Content?oid=2358747 

From problems with under-production to the creation of a new black market, Washington’s I-502 has been a marginally successful program. 

We recognize that every state will have it’s growing pains, but we are very hopeful that Oregon’s legal cannabis market will look and feel different. 

The Seattle Times, in this article https://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2024709004_oregonmarijuanameasurexml.html lays out some of the fundamental differences between the two states.

Here are a few of our predictions how Oregon will be different, and better:

1. Medical dispensaries in Oregon will be allowed to continue to operate and, if they choose, also get licensed to be recreational dispensaries.

2. Our taxes will be lower. I mean WAY lower. This will prevent the black market from regaining a foothold in Oregon.

3. Oregon will have learned from Washington and license cannabis cultivation facilities before new retail facilities.

4. We will not start from scratch for cultivation. This means that, hopefully, Oregon will allow an opportunity for cannabis cultivation facilities supplying the existing legal dispensary market to apply for a recreational license. This would ensure no lapse in cultivation.

5. We are very hopeful that the OLCC will not limit the number of licenses. Without limits a true free market cannabis economy can develop.

There has always been a rivalry between Washington and Oregon, Portland and Seattle, and, if Ballot Measure 91 passes, we are going to guess that Oregon is poised to be the leader in a sensible recreational cannabis market.