The Oregon Liquor Control Commission granted its first batch of licenses to growers; OLCC data shows a budding recreational marijuana industry in Marion and Polk Counties; and more cannabis businesses are planned for Bend.
The OLCC approved eight growers’ licenses on Friday.
“These licensees reflect the pioneering spirit Oregon is known for,” said Rob Patridge, OLCC Chair in a release Friday. “They come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and possess the entrepreneurial spirit of this industry.”
The eight licenses were issued to growers in Lane, Tillamook, Washington, Clackamas, Jackson and Josephine counties and include a mix of large and medium scale indoor, mixed and outdoor cultivation growers, the agency said. The licensed growers can begin operating under the OLCC’s authority once they pay their annual licensing fee.
(READ MORE: OPB)
The OLCC records show 60 recreational marijuana business license applications flooded Marion and Polk Counties as of April 28.
The April 28 data shows that of the 40 license applications from Marion County, 18 were for production, 14 for retail, four for processing and four for wholesale.
Of the Polk County applications, 18 are for production and two are for retail.
(READ MORE: Statesman Journal)
Medical marijuana dispensaries in Bend want to get into the recreational industry, according to city records.
“At this point we have 39 marijuana businesses that have had some interaction with the city,” said Rachel Ruppel, an assistant city planner.
About 12 of them are planning new marijuana businesses, she said. Of those, seven plan new recreational marijuana retail shops, four of which are proposed within 1,000 feet of an existing medical marijuana dispensary, an exemption temporarily permitted under city law. Medical marijuana dispensaries have until Dec. 31 to switch to selling recreational marijuana. They cannot do both, according to state law. Since Oct. 1, dispensaries may sell up to 7 grams of dried flower per day, four plants total and seeds to any adult recreational consumer. The Oregon Legislature enacted that measure so that adults could purchase legal marijuana while the Oregon Liquor Control Commission drew up regulations.
(READ MORE: Bend Bulletin)
Not everyone in Oregon wants a recreational marijuana industry. Read about how the Klamath County Economic Development Association opposes recreational marijuana in “Not in My Backyard.”
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