Oregon

Oregon will likely be one of our destinations once we finally shake these chains of long-term employment. Retirement is a huge change of life, but I think we are both ready. We have been working at various jobs for over 35 years and it's time to stop and smell the roses before our bodies totally fall apart. We're lucky in that we are able to quit working at age 60 and we won't be plunged into poverty.

Time to hit the road, Jack!

OREGON

Oregon has long been a very marijuana-friendly state, and it was the first to decriminalize cannabis in 1973. On November 3rd, 1998 Oregon legalized medical marijuana. Initiative 91, which passed in the November 2014 election, legalized recreational marijuana for anyone ages 21 and over. The implementation of recreational marijuana use began on July 1st, 2015.

SB-460 passed in July 2015, which allows Oregon Medical Dispensaries to make sales to anyone over 21, not just medical patients. Oregon is also one of the only states that allows out of state residents to obtain a medical marijuana card. The sale of marijuana to minors or within 100 feet of a school is still considered a felony offense.

The Oregon Legalized Marijuana Initiative, Measure 91 passed on November 4, 2014! This is the measure that legalized recreational marijuana for people ages 21 and older. Under the law, adults are allowed to possess up to eight ounces of dried marijuana and up to four plants. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission regulates marijuana sales.

A notable part of Oregon’s marijuana culture is the artist-driven movement of beautiful handmade glass pipes and bongs. Bob Snodgrass is one of the visionaries that lead the movement, which started during the Grateful Dead Era. To this day, Eugene, Oregon is known as a glass blowing mecca and the city’s art is sold all around the world.

Although there are not currently any vapor lounges or “coffee” bars that allow you to light up like you can in Amsterdam, there are a number of businesses in Oregon that fall into the speakeasy category and allow marijuana consumption. You will not find them listed publicly as they are operating in a legal grey area, but they do exist.

The best advice we can give for tourists looking to partake in the cannabis culture is discretion. It’s best to keep your marijuana use out of public areas, but if you must smoke out in the open, a discreet vape pen is your best option.

Can I get my Medical Card if I am not an Oregon Resident?

YES! Oregon is one of the few states that allow you to get a medical marijuana card even if you are not a resident of the state. To get one, you will need to pay a visit to one of the state’s medical marijuana clinics, fill out an application and see a doctor. Hundreds of people do this every year, and have since June of 2010 when the state first allowed it. If you have an Oregon Medical Marijuana Card, dispensaries in Michigan, Maine, Montana, Rhode Island and Arizona will also accept it.

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