Legalized marijuana has been legalized in California, and Oregon is soon to join the party, as of January 1, 2018.
According to the US Department of Justice, it is legal to possess up to 1 ounce (24 grams) of marijuana for personal use and grow up to six marijuana plants.
The drug, however, is not legal to purchase or consume in the state of Oregon.
Despite the new law, the state’s medical marijuana program has been shut down, which has forced many of the state, particularly those living in the rural and isolated areas, to go out and buy from a store.
“There’s not a lot of other options for people to buy,” said one resident, who requested anonymity to protect his/her relationship with marijuana.
This is the first time since legalization that Oregonians have been able to legally purchase weed.
It is currently illegal to purchase marijuana from a doctor, dispensary, or online.
Although many states have passed laws that allow medical marijuana to be grown and sold for medical use, the federal government has been blocking states from opening their own medical marijuana dispensaries and has been enforcing the federal Controlled Substances Act.
The new laws, however have given Oregonians access to legal weed, but they still have to go to a store to buy the weed.
“You’ve got to go somewhere,” said an Oregon resident who did not want to be named.
“It’s hard to get into Oregon and get a medical marijuana card.
It’s pretty hard to find a store.”
Another Oregon resident, however said she had a hard time finding a marijuana dispensary because the store was too far from her neighborhood.
“I just don’t like the way they are operating.
It feels like they’re taking away your right to have a safe place to go and have a good time,” said the resident.
As for the legality of buying from a dispensary, the Oregon Department of Revenue has yet to issue any guidance on the issue.
It may be several months before it releases its guidance, and it is still unclear how Oregon residents will be able to purchase pot legally.
