1st day of recreational cannabis sales in Oregon

Recreational cannabis sales began legally last night in Oregon. Some dispensaries had opened their doors shortly after midnight, the time at which the sale of marijuana without a prescription has become legal for people over 21 in Oregon.

More than 200 of the 345 medical marijuana in Oregon have registered to sell recreational cannabis.

People over 21 can now buy cannabis with a valid ID card, while Oregon Medical Marijuana Program patients under 21 can still buy with their program card.

In Portland, the dispensary Shango Premium Cannabis welcomed its first customer at 00:01, while many others were waiting. «There are about 60-70 people in the queue. They all seem enthusiastic,» reported Shane McKee, the dispensary's founder.

Consumers are only allowed to buy weed, seeds in unlimited numbers and up to 4 plant clones, as stipulated by Oregon law.

A store can sell up to 7 grams of weed or pre-rolled joint per person. Consumers can theoretically come 4 times in a row to reach the legal limit of 28 grams authorized in public.

All other cannabis products (hash, Consumables, etc.) are prohibited. Marijuana-treated patients may, however, buy concentrates in stores (from cannabidiol in particular).

Cannabis lounges also opened at midnight.

However, there are several legal loopholes:

• dispensaries are normally only allowed to open between 7am and 9pm. The rule will not take effect until December, when dispensaries will be licensed by the city.
• Oregon will benefit from 3 months of tax-free cannabis until the tax system is in place