Medford, Ore. — We’re less than a month away from the November election when Oregonians will decide whether or not to legalize recreational marijuana.
While creators of Measure 91 are looking to Colorado and Washington state for guidance, there are some big differences in Oregon’s proposed law.
The Yes on 91 campaign is spearheading the push to legalize marijuana for adults 21 and over in Oregon this November.
“We want to bring marijuana out of the criminal element into the regulated market,” said Anthony Johnson, the Chief Petitioner for the Yes on 91 Campaign.
Already Washington and Colorado have legalized the drug and Johnson says measure 91 is modeled after both states.
“Measure 91 took the best from Washington and Colorado,” said Johnson.
However there are differences.
“One of the big differences is how we set up businesses and have a more efficient tax process,” said Johnson.
According to Johnson, measure 91 would tax growers $35 per ounce, once.
In Washington there’s a 25% tax at each level, from production to distribution.
Also the number of homegrown cannabis plants allowed varies in each state.
“Colorado allows for 12 plants per household where measure 91 allows 4,” explained Johnson.
Another difference is when it comes to driving under the influence, Washington state has a specific THC limit. THC the chemical responsible for getting high. Oregon’s measure 91 has no such limit.
“A THC limit is an arbitrary number,” said Johnson.
“The real issue is impairment. Driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal today, it will be illegal if measure 91 passes,” Johnson continued.
Medford Police say a specific guideline isn’t always necessary, especially if the person fails the roadside field sobriety test.
“If you’re impaired, you’re impaired…it shouldn’t be too different than alcohol,” said Lt. Mike Budreau with the Medford Police Department.
If measure 91 passes, Lt. Budreau said his only concern is potentially more people using marijuana, more people under the influence, and more impaired drivers behind the wheel.
Meantime Johnson said wording in Oregon’s legalization measure is flexible and allows the legislature to pass any new laws needed to correct the measure.
Under measure 91, Johnson said 40% of the tax money would go to schools, 35% to state and local police and 25% to drug prevention and treatment programs.
The measure is estimated to generate up to 40-million dollars in its first year.
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