{"id":286782,"date":"2019-10-17T09:17:21","date_gmt":"2019-10-17T14:17:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-start-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-oregon.html"},"modified":"2023-06-27T09:41:17","modified_gmt":"2023-06-27T14:41:17","slug":"how-to-start-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-oregon","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/cannabis-law\/starting-a-cannabis-business\/how-to-start-a-marijuana-dispensary-in-oregon.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in Oregon"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to Open a Marijuana Dispensary in Oregon<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Amber Sheppard, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

If you are over 21 years old and interested in starting a marijuana dispensary or other type of CBD business, it is important to be aware of regulation and compliance issues. It is also necessary to have a solid business plan to avoid the common pitfalls of new businesses.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\r\n

This is especially true in Oregon, where the early legalization of marijuana \u2014 1998 for medical use and 2014 for recreational use \u2014 means facing the competition of veteran cannabis business owners. Staying ahead of trends and compliance issues can give your new business a competitive edge.<\/p>\r\n

Cannabis Business Laws You Need to Know<\/h2>\r\n

The table below outlines the laws and rules you need to follow in Oregon and where to learn more about getting your new business off the ground:<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Important Laws to Know<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Restrictions on Growing Marijuana<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Who Can I Sell to?<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

What Can I Sell?<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC)<\/a> limits how much a cannabis dispensary can sell to one customer in a 24-hour span:<\/p>\r\n

License Types and Permits<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Taxes<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

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  • 17% tax on all products sold<\/li>\r\n
  • Note some retailers apply 3% more for their city or municipality<\/li>\r\n
  • Price and total tax must be clearly listed on the receipt<\/li>\r\n
  • The Oregon Department of Revenue collects some marijuana taxes<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

What Should I Charge?<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

The cannabis market in Oregon is very competitive. You may want to check local pricing for marijuana products and carefully consider your business plan, funding, and loans when pricing items.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Cost To Open and Run a Dispensary<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Tribal Lands<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Federal law recognizes that tribes have their own sets of laws on their land. Tribal governments<\/a> regulate growing or selling cannabis or starting a cannabis business.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

State Parks<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Federal parks disallow cannabis products sold or possessed on protected federal park land.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

State Lines<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Transporting marijuana across state lines<\/a> could result in a federal offense, even if you have a valid Oregon cannabis business license.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Location of Your Business<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Zoning Laws<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Advertising<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Laws are constantly changing \u2013 the OLCC has a bulletin<\/a> that outlines the regulations on who you can and cannot advertise to.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Packaging and Labels<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Liability for DUIIs<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Retailers of cannabis are not held liable when a customer buys marijuana and is later arrested or charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII)<\/a>. Driving while impaired by drugs is still illegal.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Effect on Full-Time Jobs<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

If you currently work for a cannabis-related business, you may need to consider conflict of interest or non-compete<\/a> regulations in your employee contract.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Criminal Records<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Oregon Governments and Organizations To Know<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n