The Ins and Outs of Oregon’s Legalization

Yesterday’s News – June 25, 2015

Image: whatslegaloregon.com

Oregon cannabis legalization effective July 1

Ahead of Oregon’s legalization of recreational cannabis effective on July 1, the state has launched their “Educate Before You Recreate” public education campaign to make sure citizens are aware of what’s coming. While you’ll likely have to wait until 2016 for retail sales, you can possess up to eight ounces of marijuana flower and use it at home but not in public. How are you supposed to get those eight ounces before recreational shops are licensed and open for business? Well, since this isn’t Washington, you can, of course, grow your own and you can’t, of course, bring it back across state lines the next time you visit Seattle. We’re confident that you’ll figure it out, though, Oregon; we know how resourceful you are. Read more on The Cannabist:

thecannabist.co/2015/06/22/oregon-marijuana-pot/36345/

Edibles’ listed potency often wrong

A recent study of cannabis-infused edibles in Washington and California suggests that many of the labels on these products convey inaccurate information. Most of the samples tested – a whooping 60 percent – had less THC than advertised, while 23 percent contained more of the psychoactive compound. If you’re slow on the math, that leaves just 17 percent of products in the study with labels that accurately reflect the dosage. Of course, this is not good, not at all. It means that many patients who rely on edibles for pain management and other conditions may not be getting the relief they expect and need, while some people are going for a wilder ride than they intended when they purchased their edible marijuana. Certainly, some variability is to be expected, but when a sample claims to have 108 mg of THC and tests at 3 mg, there’s definitely an issue. The New York Times has more:

nytimes.com/2015/06/24/health/labels-for-edible-marijuana-often-err-on-potency-study-says.html?_r=0

Cannabis prices drop in Colorado

Several outlets are reporting on the dramatic decline in the price of Colorado’s recreational cannabis in the 18 months since adult-use sales began. Though the market for marijuana continues to grow, the price-drop – sometimes as much as 40 percent – is due to increased competition, decreased novelty, and the natural process of settling into equilibrium in a brand new marketplace. Check the thorough coverage at Think Progress for details:

thinkprogress.org/economy/2015/06/23/3672717/colorado-marijuana-prices-down/

ResponsibleOhio sucks less than prohibition

Russ Bellville makes a compelling case in support of ResponsibleOhio, the group that has worked to get cannabis legalization on the ballot in Ohio’s November 2015 election and has been the subject of much criticism from activists and lawmakers alike over their proposed oligopoly on the state’s wholesale marijuana market. He argues that the benefits of ending prohibition far exceed the downside of ResponsibleOhio’s plan. Read his piece on Huff Post:

huffingtonpost.com/russ-belville/ohio-marijuana-legalization_b_7647454.html

Denver Post vs. pot, again

Just like when they came out against Amendment 64 almost three years ago, not because they disagreed with legalization but because they disagreed with this particular type of legalization, The Denver Post Editorial Board has renounced new efforts by advocates to allow cannabis consumption at adult venues such as bars and nightclubs in Denver. They think the initiative goes too far and would prefer private cannabis clubs, a measure they believe “could possibly generate support.” Here’s their position:

denverpost.com/marijuana/ci_28348031?source=rss