Last year, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission approved changes to their Division 25 and 26 rules that were set to go into effect beginning in 2022.
These changes come because of Oregon’s cannabis industry’s rapid growth, and are meant to create congruence with other states’ cannabis laws. Additionally, the new rules were created to allow more flexibility to consumers, limit infractions, and keep THC products away from minors.
Consumers can thank House Bill 3000 and Senate Bill 408, passed in 2021, for paving the way for these changes.
Here is a summary of the OLCC’s new laws – some of which have already taken effect, and others will do so later this year.
Changes to Look For
As of January 1, consumers can purchase up to two ounces of marijuana versus one ounce. Additionally, consumers will begin to see an increase of THC in edible products beginning April 1. Maximum concentration will increase to 100 mg per package from the previous 50 mg. For single servings 10 mg or less, portion sizing will need to be made apparent by scoring.
For general market hemp sales, THC within a single serving will be capped at 2 mg per product, and 20 mg per container. This change, which will begin July 1, is to prevent high THC hemp products from mixing with general market products.
If you prefer to have your cannabis delivered to your home, this will now be an option regardless of city and county lines. Previously, deliveries could only take place in the county or city in which the seller was located. Note that local authorities can override this rule, however.
For marijuana edibles with over 50 mg THC, label applications are now being accepted. However, any product containing this amount cannot be sold until April 1 regardless of application status.
Reporting and Compliance
If you are a licensee, time and cost will be reduced for reporting marijuana plant tagging and harvest into Oregon’s Cannabis Tracking System. Additionally, self-distribution will become more convenient.
Licensees will have 18 months for their cannabinol (CBN) products – products with non-psychoactive particles found in cannabis – to meet the requirements of a New Dietary Ingredient notification – or as the Food and Drug Administration refers to it “Generally Recognized as Safe.” This essentially means the product would be reviewed like other dietary supplements and food ingredients.
By Rebekah Harcrow
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