The state produces about four times the amount consumed last year
Oregon has a marijuana problem. It isn’t the same as seen in other states where laws still prohibit marijuana consumption; rather, it has too much of the green plant. Just like its neighbor, Washington, the state is producing too much marijuana and wants to engage in interstate trade to reduce the excess supply.
To alleviate the issue, the state’s legislation will explore options in its upcoming session. There is already a bill ready to be discussed that could pave the way for interstate marijuana commerce.
Of course, as is the case with Washington State, there is currently what appears to be an insurmountable hurdle to cross-border sales. The federal government still won’t take action to legalize marijuana on a national level, meaning any activity considered illegal by the feds that includes crossing state lines is an automatic felony and falls under federal jurisdiction.
Oregon lawmakers have already attempted to introduce marijuana commerce legislation but haven’t been successful. Senator Ginny Burdick thinks that things will be different now. She says, “I thought back then it may be a bit cart before the horse. We were still working on setting up our own legal market, but now I think is the right time.”
Adam Smith, the director of the Craft Cannabis Alliance, agrees. He asserts,
“We want to get to the point where we have states ready and willing to make transfers. The cannabis industry is in crisis. We have a tremendous oversupply problem. The irony is there’s a market for this product all over the country.”
Smith adds that, if state lawmakers approve a commerce bill, it would put pressure on the federal government. He explains, “How can we move that forward more quickly. Federal prohibition is crumbling, but it could take years before that is totally finished.”
If everything goes as planned and a bill is approved, Oregon believes it would be ready to start exporting by 2020.
