The Oregon Senate passed a law yesterday to allow licensed recreational cannabis retailers to sell tax-free medical-grade pot to registered patients.
Senate Bill 1511 was designed to officially blend the line between Oregon’s medical and recreational markets, reducing the redundancy of two separated, highly regulated cannabis industries. The bill was passed on party lines with an 18-10 vote following a failed motion to re-refer the bill to committee.
The law forbids taxation on cannabis products sold to medical marijuana cardholders or a designated primary caregiver who purchases medicine for a registered cardholder.
S.B. 1511 would also allow recreational consumers to finally purchase cannabis concentrates and edible products from retailers, options that currently are only available for medical marijuana cardholders.
The law includes a provision marking it as an emergency piece of legislation, meaning it would take effect immediately upon receiving the governor’s signature.
The Oregon legislature has been updating many aspects of its marijuana laws this session, including a measure — which currently awaits the governor’s signature — removing a 2-year residency requirement for marijuana license holders.