Oregon THC Limits: Flower, Concentrates & Edibles

Because cannabis isn't federally legal and there is no unified regulatory body, every state has different consumption, potency, and purchasing laws and regulations. If you live in Oregon or are visiting Oregon anytime soon and want to know its laws and regulations regarding cannabis, this piece is for you. Let's take a dive into Oregon's cannabis dispensary limits for flower, concentrates, and edibles.

Cannabis in Oregon

The first thing is first - let's talk legality. Medical and recreational cannabis is completely legalized in Oregon. In fact, Oregon is seen as one of the pillar states for cannabis in the United States. Medical cannabis was first legalized in Oregon back in 1998 with the passing of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act (Measure 57). Then, in 2014, the Oregon Legalized Marijuana Initiative (Measure 91) was passed to legalize recreational, adult-use cannabis. The first legal recreational sale was made just under three years later in 2017. Since then, Oregon has been a bastion for cannabis and a significant player in the United States cannabis industry.

Oregon Weed Laws

Despite both medical and recreational cannabis being legal in Oregon, that doesn't mean anyone can purchase or use marijuana. To purchase, possess, and use recreational cannabis, an individual must be at least 21 years old. To purchase, possess, and use medical cannabis, an individual must be at least 18 years or older, be an Oregon resident, have a valid state-issued ID card, and have at least one of the qualifying conditions.

Unlike other states, Oregon does not have an extensive list of conditions that qualify an individual for the medical cannabis program. Instead, they leave the parameters fairly open-ended. Here are the current qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in Oregon:

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
• A medical condition or treatment that causes one or more of the following:
  • Cachexia
  • Severe Pain
  • Severe Nausea
  • Seizures
  • Muscle Spasms

There have been many cases where individuals who do not strictly have one of the conditions listed above were granted a medical cannabis card, so we recommend talking to a medical professional or looking to a service like Leafwell if you are an Oregon resident interested in medical marijuana.

Additionally, individuals under the age of 18 can qualify as medical marijuana patients; however, they must have one of the qualifying medical conditions and have the approval, registration, and medical supervision of a caregiver or custodial parent and legal guardian. If you are a caregiver of a medical cannabis patient and are at least 18 years old, you can purchase and transport cannabis to the medical cannabis patient for which you are responsible.

Other Important Oregon Cannabis Laws

Beyond possession limits and age restrictions, there are many other cannabis-related laws to be aware of (many of which are similar to laws in other states):

• It is illegal to smoke or consume cannabis anywhere in public.
• The possession or use of cannabis on any federal land is illegal (i.e., national parks and forests)
• Underage possession is illegal, as is providing/selling it to a minor.
• Driving while under the influence of cannabis (like alcohol) is illegal and strictly enforced.
• Cannabis (anything with more than 0.3% THC) cannot be transported across state lines.

Oregon Weed Limit Laws

Many states set their possession limits, and that's the end of it. However, as its recent decriminalization of all drugs suggests, Oregon isn't about to get comfortable with how it addresses cannabis and other drugs. In late 2021, Oregon approved multiple changes to cannabis regulation, including how much can be purchased and carried in public.

As of January 2022, recreational consumers can now purchase 2 ounces of cannabis (this is up from 1 ounce prior). There are a few specific limits set within this overarching 2-ounce structure. Edibles are allowed to be purchased with up to 100mg of THC per package, and 5 grams of cannabis extracts or concentrates is the daily purchase limit per person.

Medical cannabis patients in Oregon can purchase even more than those purchasing recreational cannabis. The current possession limit for medical patients in Oregon is up to 24 ounces of usable marijuana. This can include up to 16 ounces of solid-form cannabis, 72 ounces of liquid-form cannabis, and 16 ounces of cannabis concentrate. Additionally, medical patients can possess up to six mature cannabis plants per household and up to 50 seeds.

While Oregon is one of the most progressive states regarding drug policy and legalization, there are still consequences if you break the limits and laws set into place. For instance, if you are caught in public with more than 2 ounces of cannabis, you may face a misdemeanor, six months in prison, and a $2,500 fine. If you're caught with more than 4 ounces, that jail time and fine can increase to 1 year and $6,250, respectively. Of course, selling to a minor is punishable by a felony, up to five years in prison, and a fine of up to $125,000. Laws are just as strict if you're caught selling close to school.

Do you live in Oregon or visit often? Let us know how the laws affect you as a cannabis consumer and what you wish would change. Comment below!