Medical marijuana dispensaries are now legal in Oregon

Medford, Ore. — It’s been bumpy road toward dispensary legalization in the state of Oregon. It’s something both state and local lawmakers have been debating on. Now the wait is on to see what’s next on the horizon.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are now legal in Oregon. It all started with Oregon House Bill 34-60; the legislation, sponsored in part, by Ashland Representative Peter Buckley.

One of the huge issues about the medical marijuana program that I’ve heard from constituents is safe access to medical marijuana. If you have a medical marijuana card, how do you access marijuana, ” said Buckley.

The bill to legalize medical marijuana dispensaries passed both the House and Senate in the summer of 2013. Since then, it’s been a struggle for cities and counties across Oregon, as they try to interpret what’s best for them while caught between state and federal law.

So far, the city of Medford has decided not to allow dispensaries.

Daniel Bunn from Medford City Council said, “The city council has had a history of interpreting our business license policy to not allow activity that is unlawful.”

Last week, the Central Point City Council passed an ordinance restricting dispensaries.

“In addition to the 1000 feet within school limits, we’ve added 500 feet from residences and some other hours and some other regulations, said Central Point’s Mayor, Hank Williams.

Williams also said he wants an out-right ban, but says right now the state won’t allow it.

Down in Ashland, the city council amended its city code to allow dispensaries.

“We want to be really open and fair about our businesses even those that want to dispense medical marijuana which according to state law is legal, said Ashland City Council member Carol Voisin.

With the first day for legalized medical marijuana dispensaries here, much remains to be seen. Medical marijuana is still unlawful, federally speaking, but in Colorado and Washington, (where marijuana has been legalized), the federal government has said they won’t interfere, so long state law is being followed.