Welcome to Oregon! We’ve got it all — beautiful national parks, stunning ocean views, delicious cuisine and friendly people. But the icing on the cake? Marijuana is recreationally legal here!
We’ve put together your go-to guide to enjoying MJ while you’re visiting, from rules to regs and everything in between.
When You Arrive
First things first — even though marijuana is legal to use in Oregon (and lots of other states), it’s still illegal to fly with any cannabis products, since federal law applies to national travel. It’s safest to leave any marijuana at home and purchase new product once you’ve arrived at your destination. Keep in mind, though, that you also won’t be able to bring any cannabis back with you after your trip. Any cannabis on your person will be confiscated at the airport.
As a visitor, it’s important to double-check the policies for cannabis use at whatever hotel you’re staying at. Many hotels have strict no-smoking policies, and there’s a risk that you’ll get stuck with a pricey fine if you break the rules. However, some hotels have designated smoking areas or fees you can pay to have your room “smoke-cleaned.” It might also be worth looking for a cannabis-friendly hotel from the start, so you don’t have to worry about any restrictions on use.
It’s completely illegal to use cannabis in a car or be under the influence of cannabis while you’re driving. If you’ve been using cannabis, have a designated driver or take a rideshare to wherever you’d like to go.
Visiting a Dispensary
In Oregon, you must be over 21 to use recreational marijuana. You’ll need your valid, government-issued ID to enter any dispensary. The majority of dispensaries are cash only, but they’ll have ATMs to pull money if you forgot to get any beforehand. It can be helpful to check out the dispensary’s website before you go to get a better idea about pricing, including taxes and fees. And of course, always bring a little extra to tip your budtender.
Budtenders, AKA the staff at a dispensary, are experts in all things cannabis. They know everything there is to know about the latest in marijuana trends and products. Plus, they’re the friendliest people you’ll ever meet! They’ll take the time to answer all your questions, no matter if you’re new to cannabis or a regular pro. Ask them about recommendations for products, any sales happening, or first-time buyer specials.
There’s limits to how much cannabis you can purchase in a day. The current Oregon regulations are:
- Two ounces of usable marijuana
- Five grams of cannabinoid extracts or concentrates
- 16 ounces of a cannabinoid product in solid form
- 72 fluid ounces of a cannabinoid product in liquid form
- 10 marijuana seeds
- Four immature marijuana plants
- Five grams of cannabinoid products intended for inhalation
Any products that you purchase will be handed to you in a sealed, child-safe bag. You shouldn’t open this bag until you’re back at your cannabis-friendly hotel.
Using Marijuana Legally
Even though marijuana is recreationally legal, you can’t light up just anywhere. In Oregon, cannabis must be consumed on private property or in a private residence. Use in public areas is strictly outlawed. Even though it might be tempting to post up in a park, you’ll face heavy fines if you do. This includes cars; even if you’re not driving, you can’t consume MJ behind the wheel.
Luckily, travelers do have lots of options to consume their marijuana legally. Many cities have private cannabis clubs where you can enjoy your products. There’s also cannabis buses (cannabuses?) that act like mobile smoking lounges. Some park permanently outside of dispensaries, while others offer tours that include stops at retailers, restaurants or other destinations. And of course, you can consume marijuana at an MJ-friendly hotel.
It’s worth doing a little online research before heading to the dispensary so you have a planned, legal place to consume in mind. Otherwise, it would be a big bummer to have your shiny new bag of MJ and nowhere legal to enjoy it.
Marijuana Delivery
If you’re staying at a private home with friends or family, you can have cannabis products delivered right to your door. All the same rules apply to delivery orders — you’ll need your government-issued ID, it’s cash only, and you’ll need to follow the purchase limits.
Unfortunately, most hotels don’t allow for cannabis delivery. You’re not totally out of options, though; dispensaries offer online ordering and pickup, so you can skip the line and get your products with just a quick stop.
Traveling With Marijuana
We mentioned it before, but it bears repeating — it’s totally illegal to travel across state lines with marijuana, even if it’s legal in the place you’re traveling to. The law includes cars as well as planes. Keep this in mind before spending money on a bunch of cannabis that you can’t travel with. It’s a much safer bet to buy small amounts and go back to the dispensary when you want more.
It’s also important to remember that there are some “dry” counties in Oregon where it’s illegal to possess any marijuana. Double-check where you’re visiting so you don’t get surprised with a nasty fine.
Have a Fun (And Legal) Cannabis Experience
There are lots of fun things to do in Oregon, and trying the incredible range of local cannabis products is one of them. What’s Legal Oregon is a great resource for the most current rules and regulations. You can also check Oregon’s state website for any important updates.
Many dispensaries’ websites are also a great place to look for information. Since dispensaries have to be licensed and regulated, the staff are well-versed in what is and isn’t legal. Don’t be afraid to call ahead and ask questions about what you’re able to do as a visitor; they’ll be happy to help you out.
With the right information (and this guide) at your fingertips, you can feel confident that your trip to Oregon will be fun, legal, safe, and if you want, full of the best cannabis products you can find.