A measure aimed at protecting cannabis consumers from federal prosecution has passed the Oregon legislature and has been sent to Gov. Kate Brown for her signature, according to a report from the Associated Press. The measure would end the practice by recreational dispensaries of keeping customer information often used for marketing and customer service purposes.
According to the report, the data includes names, birthdates, and addresses of customers which is obtained from identification presented when the customer enters the establishment to prove they are of legal age to purchase cannabis products. The information is often collected without the customers’ knowledge or consent.
“Given the immediate privacy issues … this is a good bill protecting the privacy of Oregonians choosing to purchase marijuana,” Republican state Rep. Carl Wilson, one of the bill’s sponsors, said in the report.
In Alaska, Washington, and Colorado – which have adult-use statutes – the practice of keeping customer information is already banned. Once signed by the governor, the law requires that Oregon dispensaries destroy the customer data currently on file within 30 days.
The bill’s provisions do not apply to medical cannabis patients or dispensaries and customers could still choose to opt-in to promotional lists for coupons or birthday discounts.
Brown, a Democrat, is expected to sign the legislation.