Oregon’s Recreational Marijuana Law Goes Into Effect

Recreational marijuana became legal in Oregon on July 1. People 21 and older can possess up to eight ounces of marijuana at home and an ounce of marijuana when away from home, NPR reports.

According to the legalization measure passed by Oregon voters in November, up to four marijuana plants can be grown per household. Only medical marijuana patients can legally purchase marijuana, the article notes.

The state legislature and Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) are drafting regulations that will shape the state’s marijuana industry. Sales of the drug are not expected to begin until late 2016. Legislators are considering a bill that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to sell to recreational users this year.

The OLCC is scheduled to start accepting applications from marijuana farmers in January.

According to the state’s website, sales of marijuana edibles and extracts are likely to be delayed. “The OLCC has made the decision to take extra time to make sure that it gets the availability of edibles and extracts right. They will eventually be available at retail outlets licensed by the OLCC, but probably not at the same time that the stores are expected to open in the third quarter of 2016,” the website states.

Alaska also voted to legalize recreational marijuana in November. Marijuana remains illegal under federal law. Oregon and Alaska follow Colorado and Washington state, which legalized recreational use of marijuana in 2012.