A newly proposed ballot measure in Oregon would legalize cannabis cafes\u2014licensed locations that could offer food and drinks while also allowing on-site marijuana consumption.<\/p>\n
Though Oregon voters approved adult-use legalization through a 2014 initiative, consumption is technically allowed only at home or on private property.<\/p>\n
Titled \u201cThe Amendment for the Licensing and Operation of Cannabis Cafes,\u201d the new prospective ballot intiative would give regulators at the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) authority to license cannabis cafes across the state. Local jurisdictions would be able to set limits on the location, size and operational hours of the facilities.<\/p>\n
Organizers are hoping to qualify the measure for the state\u2019s November 2026 ballot.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese establishments would allow customers to consume cannabis on-site, providing a safe and legal environment that aligns with Oregon\u2019s existing laws and standards,\u201d an overview of the proposal says. \u201cCannabis cafes would also create new economic opportunities, expand tourism, and contribute to the state\u2019s ongoing commitment to responsible cannabis consumption.\u201d<\/p>\n
Smoking and vaping marijuana would be allowed in designated areas in the cafes, which would be required to install high-efficiency ventilation systems that would capture airborne particles and prevent smoke from infiltrating non-smoking or food preparation areas.<\/p>\n
Would-be operators could apply for licenses \u201cto operate at cannabis cafes under the new regulations within six months of enactment,\u201d says the proposal filed last week with the Oregon Secretary of State. The businesses would begin operating about 18 months after passage, according to a separate summary.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe State has recently approved our petition initiative however we still need 1,000 signatures in order to get this drafted for the ballot,\u201d Justyce Seith, the chief petitioner on the proposal, told Marijuana Moment in an email.<\/p>\n
That threshold is needed to receive a ballot title from state officials. After that, activists would need to collect a total of 120,413 valid signatures to qualify the measure to appear on the ballot.<\/p>\n
Seith is the founder of the Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition<\/a>, a Portland-based group that advocates for the legalization of smoking lounges and cafes where consumption of infused edibles is permitted.<\/p>\n\n