Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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Oregon is one of a few states that has liberalized its laws regulating marijuana, having legalized the herb for recreational use (the law took effect in July 2015 and is in the process of being rolled out). Prior to legalization, Oregon law criminalized certain marijuana charges, including the possession of more than one ounce. The state also recognizes legitimate medical uses of marijuana and allows patients with doctor's approval to have access.
Oregon became the third state in the U.S. to legalize the recreational use of marijuana by adults when voters approved Measure 91 during the 2014 general election. As of July 1, 2015, adults 21 and over are allowed to grow up to four plants and have up to eight ounces of useable marijuana for personal use. Recreational sales are limited to existing medical marijuana dispensaries until more robust regulations are implemented in 2016.
Additional details about Oregon's current marijuana laws are listed in the following table. See FindLaw's Drug Charges and Patient Rights sections for more information.
| Code Section | *Chapter 475 |
| Medical Marijuana | Oregon Medical Marijuana Act |
| Possession | Legal |
| Unlawful Delivery (Sale) |
*If delivery is for a sale: Class B felony; if delivery is not for a sale: Class C felony; if delivery is not for a sale and is less than 1 oz. of herb (not concentrate); if delivery is not for a sale and is less than 5 g.: Fine violation (up to $650) |
| Trafficking | *Class B felony (Category 8 if over 150 g.) |
*Changes in Oregon marijuana laws as a result of the passage of Measure 91 in 2014 began to take effect on July 1, 2015 (up to 8 oz. and 4 plants for personal use); while recreational users may now purchase marijuana through medical dispensaries, the state will institute regulations for commercial marijuana licensing and commercial sales in 2016.
Note: State laws are always subject to change; Oregon's marijuana law was changed through a 2014 ballot initiative, but understanding these changes can be tricky. Be sure you contact an Oregon drug crimes attorney or health care attorney, or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
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