The battle to allow interstate cannabis sales continues to heat up
A lawsuit in Oregon could end up being positive for its marijuana industry. Depending on the outcome reached in court, this process could usher in legal and regulated interstate commerce. In other words, cannabis companies being able to ship products across state lines appears to be not in the distant future.
A recently filed lawsuit challenging Oregon state law could give life to legal interstate commerce, at least without interference from state or federal authorities. This could be possible if the lawsuit is successful, legal analysts say. It is important to keep in mind that such an outcome could require legal challenges in other states for it to actually work.
While outright federal legalization is necessary for this type of trade to be legal, the state may not have to wait that long through the courts. Federal reform has been extremely stalled, so being able to ship cannabis across borders without presidential or congressional intervention may be the most advantageous part for Oregon.
The legal process began on Nov. 17, when Jefferson Packing House (JPH), a licensed distribution firm in Oregon, filed a lawsuit against several state officials, including Kate Brown, the governor of the Beaver State.
JPH, through the lawsuit, seeks to overturn a section of state law that prevents licensed operators from shipping cannabis across state lines, arguing that such a ban is unconstitutional. This idea appears to be shared by many other legacy states in the West, which seek to supply sun-grown cannabis to other states.