Oregon Expecting to Vote On Recreational Legalization of Marijuana in November

The Oregon Cannabis Tax Act will be on the November ballot in Oregon, according to its backers who say they have 165,000 signatures. The state has up to 30 days to verify there are at least 87,000 valid signatures, the required minimum.  Barring an insane amount of bogus signatures, this looks real promising to be on the ballot.

The headline goals of the Act are:

– Protect Oregon’s children by ensuring that, like liquor, cannabis is only sold to adults.

– Regulate the growth and sale of cannabis, dramatically shrinking the black market.

– Restore the agricultural hemp industry.  Hemp offers an alternative green fuel source, and its fibers can be used for clothing, food, and more.

– Generate tax revenue for the state. Eliminate millions of dollars spent on corrections costs.

– Create jobs both through the cannabis and hemp industries.

This makes Oregon the 3rd state pushing for full recreational legalization on the November ballot.  Colorado and Washington are already both on a collision course with the federal government if their initiatives pass.  Colorado is looking extremely strong with recent polls at 61% for and Washington is still a toss-up with 50% for.  If even one of these states passes full recreational legalization we could be looking at a potential groundbreaking SCOTUS case to finally resolve states’ rights on marijuana and what powers should reside with the federal government!