Financial Impact Statement for Oregon Cannabis Legalization

On November 6th Oregonians will vote on the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act 2012 (OCTA), aka Measure 80, a proposal to regulate, tax, and manage marijuana for recreational use for those over the age of 21. If passed this would make Oregon the only state in the nation where cannabis is  legal for recreational use similar to alcohol (which has greater gateway effect than cannabis).

Oregon Secretary of State Kate Brown released the Financial Impact Statement detailing potential monetary outcomes of the Oregon Cannabis Tax Act 2012. Among other things it estimates that:

• The cost of operating the Oregon Cannabis Commission (created if OCTA passes, members appointed by the Governor) would be roughly $22 million based on the existing cost of running the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.
• The state of Oregon would gain $1.4-$2.4 million per year by not having people in the jail or probation systems because of cannabis.
• The state of Oregon would spend $1.6-$3.3 million per year more in state courts to ensure no personal information related to cannabis consumption is disclosed in court case paperwork.
• Overall the total impact on the state of Oregon from cannabis legalization would be an increase of $22.3-$23 million per year.