Want to begin your own cannabis business? What state has the most progressive marijuana policy? The Cannalaw Blog has the answer. The group has decided to compare cannabis laws in all 50 US states. Rankings were based on how different states deal with cannabis legally, and how cannabis consumers are treated. After analysis and deliberation, the US cannabis champion may be a little unexpected. Oregon state takes home number one with the best cannabis laws for businesses and consumers.
Oregon number one cannabis state
Coming in dead last on the Cannalaw Blog list is South Dakota, which boasts some of the harshest cannabis laws in the country. Lagging behind the majority of US states, South Dakota does not have any sort of medical or recreational cannabis program.
Individuals caught with less than an ounce of cannabis in their possession face a mandatory 15-day jail sentence, eating up valuable tax dollars and unjustly incarcerating non-violent cannabis offenders. Even the presence of cannabis paraphernalia can land you a whopping 30 days of prison time and a $500 fine.
One state, however, is leading the nation with the most progressive cannabis laws in the country: Oregon. Here’s why the Beaver State is a true champion where cannabis reform is concerned:
Why is Oregon so awesome?
Oregon was the first state to adopt a medical cannabis program in 1998, spearheading almost two decades of cannabis reform across the country.
Today, medical cannabis access is available for patients with a variety of serious ailments, and patients can possess up to 24 ounces of usable cannabis. 16 ounces of concentrates are permitted. One of the highest allowances in the country.
In 2014, voters approved Measure 91, which created a legal recreational cannabis market for adults over the age of 21. Adults can legally purchase up to one ounce of cannabis at a time. Inside the home, up to eight ounces of usable cannabis is permitted.
So, why are Oregon’s cannabis laws so amazing? Oregon not only permits recreational cannabis sales, but the state allows all adults to cultivate up to four cannabis plants. Oregon also has a unique licensing program.
Unlike other states, Oregon has no limit on the number of licenses granted each year. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, theoretically making it easier for new cannabis ventures to enter the marketplace.
A single person can also own multiple licenses. So, a licensed producer can also hold a research or a processor license, enabling businesses to grow and expand. Interested in investing in Oregon cannabis from out of state? Oregon allows out of state parties to purchase and start cannabis businesses, opening up markets even more.
Evolving cannabis policy
Recreational cannabis shops opened their doors to the public in October of 2015, when established cannabis shops allowed to sell the herb to all adults for the first time. Now, however, the temporary ability for medical shops to offer retail cannabis to the public is now closed.
Now, all recreational stores must be officially licensed under Oregon’s recreational cannabis program. Medical dispensaries are back to serving patients only. Oregon laws have evolved significantly since the plant was initially legalized, and the state now boasts the strongest quality assurance and laboratory testing standards of any cannabis program.
Unfortunately, canna-businesses recently faced some delay in licensing approvals, causing many cannabis businesses to rush to catch up with updated policies and licensing requirements. However, while many producers and
However, while many producers and retailers were bogged down with delay, the state has recently created new licensing for micro production and cannabis delivery couriers.
When it comes to openness in the cannabis space, businesses and consumers won’t find a place better than Oregon.
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