Oregon lawmakers recently proposed a ballot initiative that would legalize cannabis cafes–licensed locations offering food and drinks while also permitting for on-site marijuana consumption.
Oregon voters approved adult use legalization through an initiative vote in 2014; however, only consumption on private property or at home is legally allowed.
“The Amendment for Licensing and Operation of Cannabis Cafes,” is an expected ballot initiative that would give regulators at the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) authority to license cannabis cafes throughout Oregon, while local jurisdictions would have access to set their own parameters on location, size and operational hours of such facilities.
Organisers hope the measure can make its way onto the November 2026 ballot in their state.
“These establishments would allow customers to legally consume cannabis on-site in an environment compliant with Oregon’s current laws and standards,” according to an overview of the proposal. Furthermore, marijuana cafes would create new economic opportunities, expand tourism offerings, as well as enhance Oregon’s ongoing commitment towards responsible cannabis use.
Smoking or vaping marijuana would only be allowed in designated areas within cafes that feature high-efficiency ventilation systems designed to capture airborne particles while keeping smoke out of non-smoking or food preparation spaces.
As per a proposal submitted last week to Oregon Secretary of State, would-be operators could apply for licenses “to operate cannabis cafes under new regulations within six months after passage,” per an executive summary provided with that proposal. Businesses would begin operations approximately 18 months post passage.
Justyce Seith, who serves as petitioner on this proposal and told MEDCAN24 via email that “the State recently approved our petition initiative, however we still require 1,000 signatures in order to draft this for ballot,” stated Justyce Seith as chief petitioner on MEDCAN24’s newscasts.
At least 120,413 valid signatures must be collected to get an initiative onto the ballot from state officials and secure ballot status for it to appear there. In order to meet that threshold, activists need to first apply for and get approval from them prior to collecting signatures for it to appear there.
Seith founded the Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition, an advocacy group in Portland dedicated to legalizing smoking lounges and cafes where consuming edible cannabis products is permissible.
Seith explained that organizers of the ballot push are planning events to garner support. “We will host local events to gain attention for and raise awareness for this initiative. Stay tuned!” she advised.
Seith has provided a summary of this initiative that states alcohol would be forbidden at cannabis cafes and lounges; tobacco use likewise would not be allowed, meaning no blunts or spliffs in lounges; though not specifically mentioned within it.
Cafes would need on-site security that coordinates closely with local law enforcement agencies in order to make sure no patron leaves under the influence or engages in impaired driving, according to a summary published by the department of commerce.
“I find it shocking and confusing that Oregon, as an innovator and leader of the cannabis industry, seems to be falling further behind other states on this issue,” she stated in Willamette Week – which first reported this ballot measure effort. Currently, twelve states permit some form of on-site cannabis consumption.
Portland briefly hosted a hemp consumption lounge from 2021-2023:
Portland had already hosted its own cannabis cafe (of sorts) several years prior, though. Hemp Bar opened at 6258 SE Foster Road in May 2021 and served hemp pre-rolls, blunts, CBD-infused mocktails and edibles — none containing more than 0.3% THC–before closing its doors for good in 2023.
Oregon marijuana businesses recently filed suit to stop implementation of voter-approved law requiring licensees to enter labor peace agreements with workers.
Read an explanation of this initiative proposal from Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition below:
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