Oregon is set to allow cannabis brands to distribute product samples at industry events following the passage of Senate Bill 558. The bill, which has moved to Governor Tina Kotek for approval, received significant backing from the Oregon Senate and House, passing with a 40-10 vote.
If signed, the new law will enable marijuana-licensed businesses to share ‘trade samples’ with other licensees during trade shows sanctioned by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission. This change aims to enhance the ability of cannabis companies to compete by mirroring practices seen in other sectors, according to advocates.
Niki Terzieff from the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon stated that this legislation would help marijuana companies adopt practices that are already common in other industries. It also aims to improve operational dynamics within the cannabis sector, which generates significant revenue for drug treatment services.
Executive Director of the Cannabis Industry Alliance of Oregon, Jesse Bontecou, pointed out that many existing regulations were established when the legal cannabis market was still developing and lacked the knowledge available today. He emphasized that the industry has matured and now employs thousands while contributing hundreds of millions to Oregon’s economy.
In addition to allowing product samples, SB 558 would facilitate wholesale transactions during trade events. Currently, the law mandates that originating licensees must hold products for 24 hours before transferring them to purchasing licensees, which raises transportation costs, particularly for businesses located outside Portland.
It is crucial to note that the bill strictly limits the distribution of samples to industry participants and prohibits offering samples to the general public. Regulations will prevent licensees from providing samples that exceed Oregon’s legal limits, with a minimum allowance of one gram of usable marijuana per harvest lot per strain each month.
Tucker Holland, co-founder of Entourage Cannabis, expressed that this legislation could lead to improved transparency and quality control in Oregon’s cannabis market. He highlighted that retail staff, who play a key role in educating consumers, will benefit from firsthand experience with products.
The new law seeks to eliminate outdated regulations that may inadvertently support illegal market activities. By enabling legitimate operators to thrive, it aims to close gaps that illicit markets might exploit. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, SB 558 represents a potential shift toward more practical regulations that align with the current state of the market.
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