Cannabis: Legislative Update
Oregon Legislature Ends 35-day 2024 Session
The Oregon Legislature ended it’s 35-day 2024, legislative session with the passage of only one bill that addressed cannabis, House Bill 4121.
HB 4121 extended the sunset dates from House Bill 3000 adopted in the 2021 session. Relating to the creation of a map of all Oregon Dept. of Agriculture hemp and Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission, OLCC, recreational cannabis licensees.
HB 4121 also includes extending the sunset on some enforcement issues such as minor decoy operations for cannabis retailers as well as enforcement safety issues for government authorities outside liquor control such as Dept of Agriculture and Dept. of Water Resources. It creates a “temporary workers permit.” It updates hemp labeling and product registration, and created a cap on the issuing of OLCC licenses related to population similar to how state licensed liquor stores are licensed.
House Bill 4121 had no effect on Oregon Medical Marijuana Program patients or their access to cannabis products.
House Bill 3567 – Cannabis and Hospice
The 2023 Oregon Legislature in House Bill 3567, introduced by Representatives Tran and Diehl and Senator Prozanski, required state licensed healthcare facilities to permit the use of cannabis for hospice and end-of-life care. The legislation followed similar legislation passed in California known as “Ryan’s Law.
Although the bill had bipartisan sponsors, it failed to receive a hearing. Rep. Tran has agreed to carry the bill again in 2025 and will be working with Compassionate Oregon as well as the sponsor of the California bill, Jim Bartell.
Oregon Legislature Expands List of Providers Who May Recommend Medical Cannabis
The 2021 Oregon Legislature, in House Bill 3369, expanded the list of licensed healthcare providers who may sign an Attending Providers Statement attesting to an applicant’s debilitating health condition to qualify for an Oregon Medical Marijuana Program card.
The original list included only MD’s and DO’s. HB 3369 expanded this list to include Physician Assistants, Naturopathic Doctors, Nurse Practitioners, Clinical Nurse Specialists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist. These practitioners may now sign the state forms for the use of medicinal cannabis.