Smoke Signals 4/15-4/22

In November, when voters passed Measure 91 to legalize recreational marijuana in the state of Oregon, it was hardly expected that there would be a serious weed on weed tension. The system for allowing medical marijuana—namely, through doctors’ notes and licensed dispensaries—has been in place for almost 17 years, but as a due date for legalized recreational sale and use moves swiftly closer, questions arise about how these two systems—one for medical use, another for recreation—will fit together.

Part of the friction is that medicinal users can possess more pot than recreational users will be allowed—and also are not subject to the same stiff taxes, a difference that some potential recreational retailers have complained make an unfair business advantage.

One suggestion: Sen. Ted Ferrioli (R-John Day) has proposed legislation that would allow medical marijuana dispensaries to sell recreational pot as well—with a temporary permit—starting July 1.

But that solution isn’t making everyone happy. Some say that would be like being able to pick up a bottle of whiskey at your doctor’s office.

Either way, 11 weeks and counting, and there are still more questions than answers.

Weed thought you’d like to know.

This article appears in Apr 15-22, 2015.