Oregon legislators have passed a new bill allowing cannabis businesses to provide product samples at trade events. The bill, spearheaded by Senators Floyd Prozanski and James Manning, Jr., received overwhelming support in the House with a 40-10 vote, and is now on Governor Tina Kotek’s desk for approval.
If enacted, this legislation will enable licensed cannabis producers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers to distribute ‘trade samples’ of their products at registered trade shows and temporary events overseen by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC). However, these samples will only be available to individuals working within the cannabis industry, as the bill does not permit sampling by the general public.
The new law also aims to eliminate the current 24-hour waiting period that cannabis companies must observe before sharing products after a wholesale transaction. This change seeks to reduce costs related to transporting cannabis products after events conclude. Additionally, producers will be allowed to offer seeds and immature plant samples to industry workers, adhering to state possession limits.
Jesse Bontecou, Executive Director of the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon, emphasized that many existing regulations are outdated and were established when the legal cannabis market was still new. He noted that these rules often stem from fears rather than the realities of a now-established industry that contributes significantly to Oregon’s economy.
Tucker Holland, co-founder of Entourage Cannabis, highlighted that the bill could improve transparency and quality control within the industry. He stated that allowing retail staff to personally experience products will enhance their ability to educate consumers effectively. Holland further argued that outdated regulations can create gaps that illicit operators can exploit, undermining legitimate businesses.
In a parallel development, Colorado lawmakers have also introduced a bill to Governor Jared Polis that aims to revise state cannabis laws, making it easier for individuals to enter the industry and reducing regulatory burdens on cannabis businesses. This Colorado legislation proposes that workers with an occupational license at a retail outlet could receive cannabis samples from licensed businesses up to 20 times a month, expanding access compared to the current restrictions that limit samples to retailer managers for research purposes.
In Oregon, the legislative activity comes amid ongoing efforts to expand cannabis-related policies. A resident in Portland has filed a prospective ballot measure to legalize social consumption areas for cannabis, following a similar proposal for cannabis cafes. Additionally, a federal judge recently blocked a law that mandated cannabis licensees to enter into labor peace agreements with workers, showcasing the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation in the state.
The changes in both Oregon and Colorado reflect a broader trend of revising outdated cannabis regulations, allowing for greater flexibility and operational capability within the cannabis industry.
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