In case you want marijuana, the optimal destination to approach is Oregon since the state possesses a lot of weed. Oregon produces disproportionately more marijuana than it requires; hence, the rates are extremely low. There is merely a single dispensary in Oregon that is selling marijuana at $40 an ounce. Staggeringly low rate, isn’t it?

The amount of unsold marijuana in the state surpassed 1-million-pounds in April 2019. Since then, the numbers are growing. Even in the times when cannabis was illegal, Oregon had an intimate relationship with it. It is quite surprising that between 1999 to 2005, people or Oregon consumed 45% more cannabis than the rest of the population of America.

An effort to make marijuana illegal again was rejected in 1997. The mere shock was that two attempts to make marijuana legal, in 1986 and 2012, did not succeed. However, after the consent of Measure 67 in 1998, medicinal cannabis got legal.

Ultimately, in 2014, Measure 91 came into effect, which legalized the use of recreational weed in Oregon. The next year, an emergency bill got approval from the state’s governor. Form October 2015, this approval gave permission to the legalized trade of weed for recreational users. Yet, by 2017, the sale of marijuana to recreational users was permitted only to the dispensaries with an Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) license.

Detailed Guide to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon: 

What is the point of having an MJJ card today, when adults can simply hit the pharmacy and buy weed even without it? After 3 years of legalizing the use of medicinal cannabis, its sales dropped by more than 40%. Yet, there are multiple good reasons to get an MJJ card. First of all, it’s easy to get it.

After that, there is the small issue of tax deductions. Oregon does not impose a sales tax on medicinal marijuana, but recreational users still have to pay 20%. 

MMJ cardholders also possess the benefit of holding up to 24 ounces privately or publicly. On the other hand, recreational users cannot exceed even 1 ounce in public places and 8 ounces in private places.

People who use marijuana for recreation can grow up to four plants at one time. It doesn’t matter if they are in the vegetative stage or in the flowering stage. If you have an MMJ card, you can maximum of 6 plants during the flowering period. 

Lastly, cardholders of medicinal cannabis can purchase more weed at a time, which includes up to twenty-four ounces of flowers. On the other hand, pleasure users can only purchase 1 ounce of flowers. 

If your medical condition or disorder qualifies for a Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon, you need to take the below-mentioned steps:

Step 1 – Meet with a Doctor

Get an appointment with a doctor and get recommended by him/her. An important thing you must keep in mind while booking an appointment is that you can’t just see any doctor. He/she must be a licensed doctor with whom you have a relationship currently. 

Your doctor will talk about your issue when you meet and then take the decision if you will benefit from medicinal cannabis treatment. Suppose your doctor decides that you need to be treated with cannabis. 

In this case, you will receive something called the Attending Physician’s Statement. This application should be signed by your doctor within ninety days from the date of application.

Step 2 – Get Registered

In case, if you are going to apply online, log on to Oregon’s official website and make an account of yours.

Once you successfully create the account, all you need to do is to fill out a form and submit that along with the signed Attending Physician’s Statement, the required fee, and your current photo ID.

Step 3 – Wait, with a Temporary Card

After submitting the application, you will receive a 30-day receipt. You can use this receipt to buy cannabis while waiting for your card to come. The receipt will enable you to buy as much weed as legal restrictions allow, from an authorized pharmacy.

But, if the application that you submitted is not complete, you will receive an “Incomplete Letter” from the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP), informing you of what you require to submit to complete your application. 

Within fourteen days of receiving the letter from the State, please submit the required documents and advance the complete application. In case, you failed to do it within fourteen days, the authorities can decline your application.

What are the Application Fees for MJJ Card in Oregon?

Fees are quite different for applying depending on various factors. They range from basic fees to veteran fees. 

• Patients who want to increase their cannabis pay $ 200. 
• Those who cultivate weed and provide proof of participation in supplemental nutrition support programs pay $ 60. 
• Those who grow marijuana and provide proof of participation in Oregon Health Insurance pay $ 50.
• Patients who grow cannabis and provide evidence of Supplemental Security Income pay $ 20. 
• Veterans’ fees consist of two parts. Those who grow weed and provide proof of service pay $20. Whereas, those who grow cannabis, have a record of at least 50% disability, and are retired under disgraceful conditions will not pay. 

What are the Required Medical Conditions to Qualify for a Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon?

You may be eligible for an Oregon MMJ Card if you meet any of the below-mentioned conditions:

• Cancer
• Glaucoma
• Degenerative or pervasive neurological issue
• Positive status for HIV/AIDS
• Treatment for these conditions

You may also receive an MJJ Card in Oregon for a medical issue or treatment for a medical issue that leads to: 

• Cachexia
• Severe pain
• Severe nausea
• Seizures, including those caused by epilepsy
• Persistent muscle spasms, including those caused by multiple sclerosis. 
• Other issues are subject to approval by the Health Division of the Oregon Department of Human Resources.

*It is advisable to consult the state for the latest list of ownership/cultivation restrictions and permitted conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Oregon Medical Marijuana Card Procedure

Let’s take a look at a few frequently asked questions regarding an MMJ card procedure in Oregon. 

Q: Where Can I Purchase Medical Marijuana in Oregon? 

A: There are specialized MMJ pharmacies (dispensaries) that allow the purchase of weed but only to caregivers and patients registered with Oregon Medical Marijuana Program. Unluckily, there are comparatively fewer dispensaries for medicinal cannabis in Oregon due to the legalization of adult use. 

However, finding a common cannabis pharmacy is quite simple with a lot of choices. Oregon was the number one marijuana dispensary in the country with 16.5 cannabis dispensaries per 100,000 people, as of February 2020.

Q: What are the Oregon Dispensary Rules?

A: Oregon pharmacies (dispensaries) are allowed to sell cannabis, but there are certain restrictions and it is crucial to follow these Oregon pharmacy rules. 

These rules are as follows: 

• The pharmacy should be situated 1000 feet away from the closest school or pharmacy. 
• The pharmacy may not be placed in a residential zone. 
• Mobile pharmacies are not allowed. 
• The pharmacies cannot be placed at the same address as the growing area.  
• Pharmacies cannot share facilities with other companies.

Q: What About Reciprocity?

A: You can also get an Oregon MMJ card if you come from another state. Appropriate medical records are required, but not always from the Oregon doctors. Nevertheless, currently, there are minimum residence requirements.  In other words, you need an Oregon ID.  You also need residence certificates such as tax returns and utility bills. 

You are not permitted to transfer your Medical Marijuana Card from another state. This is because the qualifying conditions of that particular state and Orgon’s criteria can have differences.

Q: Where Can You Use Medical Marijuana Card in Oregon?

A: In Oregon, like any other state, it is illegal to smoke cannabis in public places. That is, there are no parks, bars, or public outdoor smoking areas where you can smoke weed. Marijuana can only be safely used at home or on private land.

Q: What are the Purchasing, Possession & Growing Limits for Marijuana?

A: As mentioned above, MMJ patients are permitted to purchase, carry and cultivate more weed than recreational users in Oregon. The patient or caregiver may own the following amounts: 

• 24 ounces of “convenient” cannabis 
• 72 ounces of liquid medicated cannabinoid 
• 5 grams of extract 
• Solid 16 oz medicated cannabinoids 

You can grow 6 mature plants and 12 immature plants higher than 24 inches. You can also grow up to 36 immature plants shorter than 24 inches. There are growing restrictions on “grandfathered” growth locations. These were registered prior to 2015. OMMP cardholders can also own up to fifty seeds.

Q: Can a Minor Use Medical Marijuana in Oregon?

A: Only people over the age of 18 can apply in a “typical” way.  For young patients, the parent or legal guardian must fill out a ‘Minor Declaration Form.’ 

Q: How Can I Include a Caregiver?

A: If you want to add a caregiver, you need to specify a specific person in your application. You will even have to submit a copy of his/her state-issued ID, or Driver’s License, and his/her mailing address. Your caregiver can receive your medicinal cannabis through the dispensary and bring it to you.