Recreational marijuana law: How will it roll out?

This week, Oregonians approved recreational marijuana — and now you might be wondering, what will the new rules looks like?

At this point, it’s a little hazy, even the experts said Thursday.

“It depends on how complex the Legislature gets and frankly, the messages that are going to be sent from the federal government as well,” Oregon Liquor Control Commission Chair Rob Patridge told NewsChannel 21 in a phone interview.

Patridge said there’s a good chance legislators will make their own tweaks to Measure 91 — and that could affect how and when the commission implements the new rules.

Here’s what we do know: Starting next July, if you’re over 21, you can light up. You can also carry a small amount of marijuana on you and grow up to four plants.

Sometime after January 2016, the state expects to start cashing in on the crop — opening the doors to retail outlets.

When is the grand opening? Don’t pull out the calendar. Patridge says there’s no timeline, and he expects it will take time.

“My intent is to move cautiously,” Patridge said.

You might recall how Oregon Medical Marijuana Program retailers were able to open before state inspections began. Patridge said that won’t happen will recreational sales.

“We’re going to have to do background checks, our inspection of the location, then there’s going to have to be a whole grow cycle for the crop,” Patridge said.

Patridge also said he expects the retail stores will be owned and operated by private parties, not the state.

Unless the rules change, cities and and counties will have the power to ban shops altogether.

Then there’s all those local marijuana taxes passed by cities around the state just before the election, including Redmond and La Pine. Remember, Measure 91 said only the state can collect taxes, not local governments.

Local city officials have said they hope by passing the tax before the election, they will be grandfathered in.

Patridge said lawmakers will probably ultimately decide who cashes in on marijuana.

The OLCC’s next focus is asking the state for a budget to implement the law during an emergency hearing in December. Patridge said the commission hopes to hire 28 new employees for the roll-out.

The commission also plans to tour the state in the new year, to hear from local stakeholders and communities about how rules should be implemented.

“We’re here to implement the law, protect the public safety of Oregonians — and maximize revenue for the state,” Patridge said.

Patridge said since the measure passed, about 1,100 have signed up on an email list to get information on the rules from the OLCC.

You can learn more about the law and its implementation plan by visiting: marijuana.oregon.gov. There is also a link to frequently asked questions on the site.