Oregon: 310 medical dispensaries, 248 Starbucks

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A bill in the works could have stores selling recreational marijuana before 2016.

The bill proposes that come October 1, existing medical marijuana stores will be able to sell to all adults. A joint House-Senate legislative committee voted unanimously last week to start early sales through existing medical marijuana dispensaries.

The measure is now headed to a vote in the Senate.

For some perspective, Oregon already has 310 medical dispensaries. Compare that to 248 Starbucks locations in the state and one can see how many places there will be for Oregonians to buy pot on October 1 if the bill passes.

Adriane Pert is opening a medical dispensary in Hillsboro called Shango. He is one of many medical dispensaries excited at the prospect of being able to sell recreational marijuana on October 1 if the bill passes.

“We want to be one of the first in our area to provide a safe place to purchase pot recreationally we hope, and of course medical marijuana,” Pert tells WISH-TV’s sister station KOIN.

Some restrictions will apply, however.

“They’re looking at allowing flower only, no concentrates and no edibles, and they’re looking at a quarter ounce per customer,” Shane McKee with Shango says.

The bill would go into effect before any regulated taxes are implemented. This means that Oregonians would be able to buy pot tax free for three months until the official licensing process happens for recreational stores in 2016.

“The first licenses will likely go to growers for obvious reasons and retail stores later in 2016,” Tom Towslee with the OLCC says.