Oregon allows medical marijuana use under limited circumstances. However, it is still a crime to drive under the influence of marijuana, and other laws regarding marijuana possession for non-medical purposes will still apply.
For information about how Oregon treats illegal marijuana possession, sale, and manufacture, see Oregon Marijuana Laws.
For information on driving under the influence charges in Oregon, see Driving Under the Influence of Marijuana in Oregon.
Medical Marijuana Use
Oregon allows medical marijuana use by patients with a variety of debilitating illnesses and symptoms. This law removes the criminal penalties that would otherwise apply to nonmedical marijuana possession and use. To gain such protection, patients must obtain a written recommendation from a physician, register with the state, and obtain a registry identification card. Each patient may designate a primary caregiver to help the patient cultivate marijuana plants and manage the patient’s medicinal marijuana dosage and use. (Or. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 475.320.)
Legal Possession Amounts
Each patient may possess and use up to 24 ounces of usable marijuana, and may cultivate up to six mature marijuana plants. Primary caregivers may possess—but not use—the patient’s marijuana and plants, and may assist their patients with medical marijuana use.
Penalties for Illegal Sale and Use
A person may not knowingly or intentionally possess or use marijuana for medicinal , unless such use is in accordance with the regulations described above. Using medicinal marijuana without a valid prescription and ID card is punishable with the same penalties imposed for illegal marijuana use and possession, depending on the amount illegally used or possessed. To learn more about Oregon marijuana laws and penalties for illegal use or possession, see Oregon Marijuana Laws.
An Important Note on Local Legal Representation
If you have been charged with a marijuana-related offense, consult an experienced criminal defense attorney. While the penalties and consequences of a marijuana charge are governed by statutory law, only a local criminal defense attorney can tell you how cases like yours tend to be handled by prosecutors and judges in your courthouse.
