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How to Talk to Your Parents About Legal Weed

Posted on by Substance Content
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Talking to your parents about legal weed and its benefits can be a sensitive and delicate subject. Here are some tips:

Do Your Research

Make sure you are well-informed about the topic before starting the conversation. Read up on the science behind cannabis and its benefits, and research the laws in your area. This will give you credibility and help you answer any questions your parents may have. 

We’ve got plenty of articles to get you started: Consumption Methods, Recreational Cannabis, Endocannabinoid System, & More!

Start With a Conversation

Instead of immediately jumping into the topic of cannabis, start by having a broader conversation about health and wellness. Ask your parents about their thoughts on alternative medicines and natural remedies. This will help you gauge their level of openness to the idea of cannabis.

Be Respectful

Remember that your parents may have their own preconceptions and concerns about cannabis. Be respectful of their opinions and try to approach the conversation in a non-judgmental way.

Share Personal Stories

If you or someone you know has had a positive experience with cannabis, share your story with your parents. Personal stories can be powerful tools for changing someone’s perspective.

Address Concerns

Your parents may have concerns about the legality of cannabis or its potential risks. Address these concerns head-on and provide evidence-based information to alleviate their worries.

Focus on the Benefits

Emphasize the potential benefits of cannabis, such as pain relief, anxiety reduction, and improved sleep. Explain how these benefits can have a positive impact on overall health and wellbeing.

(Photo by Elia Pellegrini)

In a legal state, there are several potential benefits for older folks using cannabis, including:

Pain Relief

Cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating chronic pain, which is a common issue among older adults. Cannabis can help alleviate pain caused by conditions such as arthritis, migraines, multiple sclerosis, and neuropathy.

Improved Sleep

Older adults often struggle with sleep issues, such as insomnia. Cannabis can help improve sleep by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep and increasing the amount of deep sleep.

Anxiety and Depression

Cannabis can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Cannabis can help reduce feelings of anxiety and promote a sense of relaxation.

Appetite Stimulation

Cannabis can help stimulate appetite. This can be helpful for older adults who may have lost their appetite due to illness or medication.

Neuroprotection

Cannabis has been shown to have neuroprotective properties. This can be beneficial for older adults who may be at risk for age-related cognitive decline.

Note: The effectiveness of cannabis can vary from person to person. It’s essential to talk to a healthcare professional before using cannabis to treat any medical condition. Additionally, older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of cannabis. It’s important to start with a low dose and increase gradually.

Documentaries about cannabis for parents

(Photo by Chandler Media)

There are several documentaries available that explore the benefits and uses of cannabis. Here are some options you can consider:

If your parents are still hesitant, offer to explore the topic together. Suggest watching a documentary or reading an article (like this one!) about the benefits of cannabis. This can help them feel more comfortable and informed about the topic.

“The Culture High” (2014)

This documentary explores the politics and history of cannabis prohibition and its impact on society. It also delves into the potential benefits of cannabis for medical purposes.

“Weed the People” (2018)

This documentary follows several families who are using cannabis to treat their children’s cancer. It explores the potential benefits and risks of cannabis as a cancer treatment and the challenges of accessing it.

“The Scientist” (2020)

This documentary follows the journey of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the researcher who discovered THC. The documentary explores the potential benefits of cannabis for various medical conditions, including epilepsy and PTSD.

“CBD Nation” (2020)

This documentary explores CBD, and its potential benefits for various medical conditions, including chronic pain and anxiety.

“The Union: The Business Behind Getting High” (2007)

This documentary explores the economics and politics of the cannabis industry. Additionally the film looks at the benefits of medical cannabis.

Remember: The goal of the conversation is to educate and inform, not to persuade or pressure. Keep an open mind and be willing to listen to their perspective as well.

Dispensaries and Cannabis for Parents(Photo Jan Zwarthoed)

Taking your parents to a legal dispensary can be beneficial in several ways, including:

Education

A legal dispensary can be an excellent opportunity to educate your parents about the different types of cannabis products available. Dispensary staff can provide information on dosage, consumption methods, and potential side effects. They can also answer any questions your parents may have.

Safety

A legal dispensary ensures that the products your parents are purchasing are safe, tested, and accurately labeled. It can be challenging to know the quality and safety of products purchased from illegal sources. Taking your parents to a legal dispensary can help ensure they are consuming safe and high-quality products.

Access to a Wider Variety of Products

A legal dispensary provides access to a wider range of cannabis products than what is available on the illicit market. This can include different strains, delivery methods, and dosages. This gives your parents more options to find a product that works best for them.

Reduce Stigma and Fear

For many people, there is still a stigma and fear around cannabis use. Taking your parents to a legal dispensary can help demystify the process and reduce any concerns they may have. Seeing a professional environment can help them feel more comfortable and confident in their decision to try cannabis.

Bonding Opportunity

Taking your parents to a legal dispensary can also be an excellent bonding opportunity. It can be an opportunity to spend time together and learn something new. It may even be a fun and exciting experience for both of you.

Note: It’s essential to respect your parents’ opinions and comfort level around cannabis. If they are not interested in visiting a dispensary, that’s okay. It’s important to approach the conversation in a non-judgmental way. Let them make their own decisions about whether they want to explore cannabis as an option.

 

Parents and dispensaries

(Photo by Cova Software)

There are many ways that the cannabis buying experience has changed since your parents youthful days of buying a four finger lid. It’s not meeting a sketchy dude some place weird anymore:

Access to a Variety of Products

A legal dispensary can provide access to a wide range of cannabis products, including different strains and delivery methods. This allows people with daily pain to experiment with different products and find the one that works best for their specific needs.

Guidance from Knowledgeable Staff

Dispensary staff are often trained and knowledgeable about the different types of cannabis products and their potential benefits. They can help people with daily pain choose the right product and provide guidance on dosages and consumption methods.

Quality Assurance

Products sold in legal dispensaries are subject to strict regulations and testing, ensuring that they are safe and accurately labeled. This can give people with daily pain peace of mind that the products they are purchasing are of high quality and safe to use.

Non-opioid Alternative

For people with daily pain, prescription opioids are often prescribed to manage their symptoms. However, these medications can have serious side effects and risks. Cannabis can provide a non-opioid alternative for managing pain, without the risk of addiction or other harmful side effects.

Improved Quality of Life

Daily pain can be debilitating and affect a person’s quality of life. Cannabis has been shown to be effective in managing chronic pain, and can help improve a person’s overall wellbeing and quality of life.

Note: Cannabis may not work for everyone. It’s essential to speak with a healthcare professional before using cannabis to treat any medical condition. Additionally, people with daily pain should start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed. Always be aware of potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

Cannabis as a bonding tool(Photo Grav)

Cannabis can be used as a tool to help parents and children bond together as adults in several ways:

Shared Experiences

Cannabis can be used to create shared experiences that bring family members closer together. Whether it’s sharing a joint or trying out different edibles together, consuming cannabis can be a fun and relaxing way for family members to spend time together and bond over a shared interest.

Relaxation

Cannabis can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can create a more relaxed and positive atmosphere for family members to spend time together. This can be especially helpful for families who have a history of tension or conflict.

Communication

Cannabis can also help facilitate communication and openness among family members. When consumed in moderation, cannabis can help people let down their guard and express themselves more freely, which can lead to more meaningful conversations and a deeper understanding of one another.

Creative Activities 

Cannabis can also be used to enhance creative activities, such as painting, drawing, or playing music. These activities can be a great way for family members to express themselves and work together on a shared project.

Note: Cannabis affects everyone differently, and it’s important to use it responsibly and in moderation. It’s also important to respect each family member’s personal boundaries and preferences regarding cannabis use.

Cannabis can replace more harmful addictive compounds such as tobacco and alcohol. Here are some ways cannabis can be a substitute:

As a Substitute for Tobacco

Many people who are addicted to smoking cigarettes find it difficult to quit. Smoking cannabis instead of tobacco can be a healthier alternative because cannabis does not contain the harmful chemicals found in tobacco. However, it is important to note that smoking any substance can still have negative effects on the lungs.

As a Substitute for Alcohol

People who struggle with alcohol addiction can use cannabis as a substitute to reduce or eliminate their alcohol consumption. It is generally considered to be less harmful than alcohol and has fewer negative side effects.

As a Substitute for Prescription Drugs

Some people use cannabis to manage chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and other conditions. By using cannabis instead of prescription drugs, they can avoid the negative side effects and potential for addiction associated with many pharmaceuticals.

Note: While cannabis can be a potential alternative to more harmful addictive substances, it’s not a guarantee. Use with caution and under medical advice. 

Alcohol Replacement Cannabis(Photo Michael Discenza)

There are several reasons why someone might want to use cannabis as a replacement for alcohol in a legal state:

Health Benefits

Cannabis is considered by many to be a healthier alternative to alcohol, as it is not associated with liver damage or increased risk of certain cancers like alcohol. Furthermore, cannabis can help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, which are often conditions that lead people to drink alcohol.

Fewer Negative Side Effects

Alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that can cause blackouts, impaired judgment, and motor coordination, and it can also lead to addiction and other negative health consequences. In contrast, cannabis has fewer negative side effects and is considered to be less addictive.

Personal Preference

Some people simply prefer the effects of cannabis to those of alcohol. They may find that cannabis helps them to relax and unwind without the hangover or other negative consequences associated with alcohol.

Legalization

In states where cannabis is legal, it can be a convenient and legal alternative to alcohol. People who may have previously used alcohol legally may be more willing to use cannabis instead now that it is legal.

Note: While cannabis can be a potential alternative to alcohol, it’s still important to consume it responsibly and with caution, especially when it comes to driving or operating heavy machinery. Like any substance, cannabis can still have negative effects and should be used in moderation.

Conclusion

Talking to your parents about legal weed can be an intimidating conversation at first, but with the help of this article you will be prepared to inform your parents about the benefits of cannabis. Communication and openness about cannabis is crucial to healthy relationships with both your family and with the plant! Additionally, if you’re interested in speaking with your health care professional about cannabis, read up here.

If you’re interested in how to talk to your children about legal cannabis, check out our other article here.

If you decide to bring your parent or grandparent into a dispensary, we are ready for you at Substance! Our friendly and knowledgeable budtenders can provide plenty of information in a judgement free environment. Check out any of our stores for more information about cannabis.

Substance offers online ordering and curbside pickup for dabs and other fine products at all dispensary locations throughout Bend, OR and now at our newest location in Cottage Grove, OR.

Dab Rig Essential Guide

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Getting into the world of extracts and concentrates can be an intimidating process. Fortunately, it’s actually a pretty simple! This guide is designed to cover everything you need to know to use a dab rig with confidence. Get ready… to get dabbed out!

Setup: Absolute Essentials

 

Dab Rig

What is a dab rig? The term “dab rig” is typically used for a bong that is specifically designed for smoking dabs. This means that it has a different shape than most of the bongs you’ve used before. Many rigs incorporate something called a “recycler” that collects resin in the water that can later be reclaimed. Most bongs can be converted into a dab rig. Although some purists might scoff at the idea, you could replace the bowl of any bong with a nail.

Dab Nail

A dab nail, otherwise known as a bucket or banger, is what sets a dab rig apart from regular bongs. A nail is usually shaped like a small bucket, with a curved or angled stem that fits into the down stem of the rig. This piece can sustain high temperatures, and is heated to over 500 degrees Fahrenheit. This allows instant vaporization of the dab as it hits the nail. Much like the bowl to a bong, your nail must fit into whatever type of bong or rig you’d like to use. 

Torch

In order to heat your nail to the desired temperature, you’ll need a torch. Regular lighters or even small cigar torches typically will not be enough to adequately heat a banger to the ideal temperature. You need a small crème brulee torch, or something like a propane camping torch.

Dab Tool

Most dabs are consistencies that can be difficult to handle. Specific tools made for dabs help to get the small amount of dab safely into your banger. Dab tools can be made out of metal, ceramic, or glass. It is important to remember that whatever tool you use to dab off of, is exposed to the high temperatures of the nail. Never use anything that would be hazardous if heated.

Cotton Swabs

After taking your dab, you want to clean out your nail. Besides using cotton swabs to mop up the remaining dab, you can also use your torch to burn off leftover dab in your nail. This is useful when the dab has already cooled. A cooled dab will be extra sticky; cotton swabs should only be used right after taking a dab while the oil is still hot and liquid.

The Process of Using a Dab Rig

  1. Begin heating your nail with the torch, approximately 30-45 seconds
  2. Continue heating until your temperature gauge alerts you of the correct temperature, if you do not have a gauge wait until it is red hot. 
  3. Wait until the nail is no longer red, and checking to see if you can hold your hand 3-5” from your nail comfortably
  4. Prepare your dab by scooping it out with your dab tool if sugar or crumble, prepare your dab by scooping a rice grain sized amount with your tool. If using shatter it may be beneficial to warm up your tool first so the shatter will stick.. If shatter, it may be helpful to slightly warm your tool so that it will stick to the dab
  5. Carefully put your dab into the nail and set aside dab tool
  6. Cover your nail with carb cap as you begin to take inhale
  7. Spin the carb cap around to direct the airflow
  8. Once complete, take a cotton swab and mop up any remaining dab
Dab rig with various accessories

Setup: Nice to Have Extras

Temperature Gauge

The ideal temperature for most dabs is between 500-600 degrees Fahrenheit. Luckily, there are some handy gadgets that can digitally read the temperature of your nail, and alert you when it’s the right temperature. There’s also other products called e-nails that can be set to specific temperatures and will maintain those temperatures as long as you want. Perfect for your next sesh with your friends!

Carb Cap

A carb cap is typically made of glass or metal, and is designed to fit in or over the top of the dab nail. By putting the cap over the nail, it lowers the pressure, and thus lowers the boiling point of the oil. This also maximizes the convection and helps to control the airflow. Some carb caps can be spun to direct the oil around the nail for even vaporization. 

Terp Pearls

A terp pearl is a small glass ball designed to be spun around the nail with the use of a carb cap. This helps spread the oil around the nail evenly as it cools. 

Dab Containers

Storage containers for your dabs are not always necessary, since most of the time your dab will come packaged in some type of container. However, you may encounter products you want to put in a better container. Dab containers are usually made out of silicone or glass. Other dab products will be wrapped in wax paper, or a clear plastic. 

Other Ways To Smoke Dabs

There are many different ways to enjoy your favorite cannabis extracts!

Glass Straw

The most basic way to smoke dabs, a glass straw is exactly as it sounds. It looks like a glass tube with a mouthpiece and tapered tip resembling a straw. The tip is heated to temperatures using a torch and then pressed into the dab while simultaneously taking a hit from the mouthpiece. This option is usually the most cost efficient way to get into dabbing, but it’s also the hottest dabs you’ll take. 

Nectar Collector

A nectar collector is similar to a glass straw, but with a water upgrade. Along the middle of the straw, there would be an additional chamber that holds water. It is used the same way as a glass straw. The water helps to cool down the smoke, and produces a much smoother hit than a regular glass straw. 

Electronic Methods

There are many different types of electronic devices capable of vaporizing dabs on the market today. All of them are designed to accomplish the same thing, without the use of a torch. Most utilize a battery and electronic heating element to heat a container and vaporize the dab. This is a great option for those who feel uncomfortable using a torch. 

Bowls, Joints, Blunts

When it all comes down to it, you can also smoke your dab on top of your flower. You can also sprinkle it into joints or blunts. Crumble tends to be the most ideal consistency for this method. 

Cold Start Dabs

While usually the dab is put into the nail after it has been heated to temperature, a cold start dab is put into the nail then heated to temperature. This is an especially popular method for those using electronic dab rigs. 

Substance offers online ordering and curbside pickup for dabs and other fine products at all dispensary locations throughout Bend, OR and now at our newest location in Cottage Grove, OR.

Substance Market Dab Reviews

Dab Review: Chem Dawg and Dutch Treat Rosin

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Sterling Gold’s Rosin is the first Flower Rosins (SHO) I’ve personally had the pleasure of trying, and they were delightful!

I’ll admit, I was one of the skeptics in the group about people using hair straighteners for science. But now with the industrial presses we are seeing around, I see the light!

The looks of these two really speak for themselves, and the smell matches the flowers amazingly! That was my first big surprise with this rosin, the smell literally smacks you across the face.

The consistency of both were very manageable. I would even say you could use your hands, but I was pulling and snapping with my dab tool.

The second surprise with these Rosins was the flavor. Simply put, it’s delicious! Reminds me of fresh “greens” from some sweet chronic back in the day. I think we all remember our first, fresh delicious “greens” rip?

Along with amazing flavor, these rips were super smooth. Easy to puff tough and not kill yourself. Even higher temp nail rips weren’t bad, so that’s a real win in my book.

Experience, well let’s just say it took me 2 weeks to finish this review ;)

-Steve Hubbard

Get Involved in Marijuana Legislation

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It’s an exciting time in Central Oregon!

Please show your support for allowing recreational marijuana businesses in Deschutes County by attending one of these local meetings. These meetings are open to the public.  Attendees are expected to be professional and respectful in behavior and appearance.

Public Hearings on Marijuana Land Use Regulations:

Wednesday Dec 2nd

1:30pm – Deschutes County Commission (1300 NW Wall St. in Bend)

6:00pm – Deschutes County Commission (1300 NW Wall St. in Bend)

7:00pm – City of Bend (710 Wall St. in Bend)

Come to a hearing and see what’s up with the recreational marijuana legislation in Deschutes County.

Oils

What’s it Like to Work in a Weed Store?

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Working in a pot shop is not exactly “high” times, like some may expect.  Unfortunately, we can’t sit around all day taking bong hits and eating marshmallows. (If anyone knows where I can get paid to do that, please let me know!) This is a job, after all, and we are professionals. Despite the rules and regulations that we must follow like any other business in the state, however, we are free to be who we are and to have a good time.

My fellow employees are a fantastic group of people.  We cover a broad spectrum of ages, origins, and marijuana experiences.  Some of us are wives and mothers while others are barely out of high school.  Some of us are old school and like taking bong rips while others are dabbers and others prefer edibles.  Our varied perspectives bring something extra special to the Bloomwell community.

Is anyone wondering how I explain my job to other people? There’s not much explaining to do.  I tell people that I work in a marijuana dispensary.  My kid knows where I work and what is going on here, my parents know what I do, my friends know what I do… There’s no reason to hide in the closet because I’m not doing anything wrong.  If anything, working at a weed store has given me an outstanding opportunity to talk about cannabis with others and to dispel myths about what’s legal and what isn’t.

One of the best parts of this business is that I have a front-row seat to cannabis legalization and that’s really exciting. I love meeting interesting people from all over the world and from all walks of life who like using marijuana for whatever reason.  Cannabis is the plant that brings people together.

Noble header

Recreational Marijuana: It’s the marijuana you DO take home to mom.  

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I mean, only take weed home to your mom if she’s into that sort of thing.

Well, it finally happened.  The seventh seal was broken, the words were spoken, and that one-time innocuous weed that the devil planted so long ago was finally let loose onto the public last month.  Oh, the horror, the horror.  Release the Ganja!  The Sticky Icky!

Seriously, though.  It’s all a bit silly now, isn’t it?  Of course, those dangerous and dirty pot heads who’ve been ignoring those ridiculous prohibition laws this whole time knew that the overblown War on Drugs was, and still is, nonsense.  Thankfully, sanity has started to take a more active role in our little ole US of A–even if it is only one state at a time.

For the old stoners and the virgin recreational marijuana users — we like to say “adult consumers” around here– let’s forgo all the data and science and research regarding the medical benefits of cannabis, forget about politics, and let’s just share our marijuana experiences with our fellow humans.

Here at Substance, we aren’t about selling you a product to put money in our pocket; we’re about sharing our knowledge and experiences.  We want you to have a good time.  Come in today and see what we have to offer.  Come back tomorrow.  Tell your friends about us.  Tell us what you like and try a new strain.  Just walk in and buy yourself some pot – really good pot – and finally enjoy it without being paranoid about the fuzz.

What do you like to do after a bowl (or two)?

Substance Cannabis Dispensary in South area of Bend, OR

Heck Yeah, We Do Sell Recreational Marijuana Here!

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Gone are the days of, “Pssst! Hey, do you know where we can score some pot?” It is now legal for participating Oregon Medical Marijuana Dispensaries to sell marijuana to adults who are 21 or over.

That’s right, folks, you can all (21 and over) come in to Substance and buy marijuana from us, legally. For real.  No code words or secret handshakes are necessary. You know what makes us extra awesome? We accept credit and debit cards, so you don’t even need to drive by the ATM first.

Oregon Recreational Marijuana law states that we may sell up to 7 grams – 1/4 ounce – of flower per day to someone who is at least 21 years old.  We also have seed packets available and a list of clones that are available to pre-order.

Due to the high demand of our client base, we rotate through a variety of marijuana flowers –buds – and our selection is always changing.  Flower is packaged in 1 gram, 3.5 gram, and 7 gram bags and we have a wide selection of pre-rolled joints available.  We also carry a selection of pipes, grinders, lighters, and other non-medicated items.

Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) cardholders have their own sales island and are allowed to purchase all of our flower products as well as our tinctures, edibles, concentrates, oils, candy and beverages.  Unfortunately, those products will not be available for the recreational users until the end of 2016 due to pending legislation.  We highly recommend you obtain your medical card to have access to all of our delicious products.

Please be respectful and don’t spark it up in our parking lot.

Recreational or Adult Use, Marijuana or Cannabis: Which Term to Use?

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If you’ve ever been to a dispensary, you might have noticed some slightly different language to refer to the products and services inside than you have heard colloquially or in the popular media. In this post, we give a brief breakdown of why we use the language that we do.

Recreational vs. Adult Use

With legalization in Colorado and Washington, and now in Oregon as well, you’ve probably heard the term “recreational marijuana” to refer to cannabis use outside of medical marijuana programs. Here at Substance, we refer to cannabis usage for adults over the age of 21 who do not hold Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) cards as “adult use”.

We use this term because we believe that responsible adults can and should be able to determine what cannabis usage means to them. The medical vs. recreational binary creates a false choice for cannabis users, reinforcing the idea that non-medical users of cannabis are making inherently risky or reckless decisions. Sensible, adult cannabis users who do not have qualifying conditions for the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program should face no more stigma than adult users of alcohol. Adult beer drinkers, by comparison, do not have to go to the ‘recreational beer store’.

Cannabis vs. Marijuana

Cannabis and marijuana essentially refer to the same thing. Technically, cannabis refers to the parent plant, which can be broken up into Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Sativas and indicas are what we seek on the medical and adult use markets – ruderalis lacks the cannabinoids that provide those sought-after therapeutic benefits. Hemp is used to refer to a low-THC variety of Cannabis sativa that is often harvested for industrial use.

Marijuana is generally used to refer to higher THC (or CBD) varieties of Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. However, the term has not always been so commonplace. Widespread usage of the word ‘marijuana’ began following the Mexican Revolution of 1910, when the United States saw a large influx of Mexican migrants. Many of these migrants used cannabis as a medicine and a relaxant, and as anti-Mexican sentiment went on the rise, racist propaganda spread fear of the Mexican “Marijuana Menace”.

Because of the history of racism associated with the term ‘marijuana’ in the United States, and the general applicability of the term ‘cannabis’, we use the latter. Considering this history, and the stigmas still surrounding cannabis use today, we feel that using the term ‘adult cannabis use’ over ‘recreational marijuana’ helps combat the negative associations that we as a society have with the cannabis plant.

We hope this post has been informative. Thanks for reading, and we look forward to seeing even more of you join our community of adult cannabis users come October 1st!

week 1 flower

Cannabis and the Hemp Industry

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Hemp, a low-THC variety of Cannabis sativa, has long had a wide variety of industrial uses. With uses ranging from paper to plastic substitutes to cooking oil, hemp is among the most versatile crops produced.

The Historical Context

Hemp has a long history in the United States. The crop was first planted in Jamestown, Virginia in the early 17th century. In World War II, the U.S. government even launched a massive “Hemp for Victory” campaign, encouraging farmers to grow as much of the plant as possible.

Attacks on cannabis, beginning in the early 20th century, soon ceased to differentiate between hemp and marijuana. Some believe hemp was intentionally targeted by William Randolf Hearst because it threatened his interest in the newspaper industry, although this history is disputed. With the passage of the Controlled Substances Act in 1970, hemp was made illegal to grow without a special permit by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Permits have been extraordinarily hard to come by since the law’s passage.

Hemp and Legalization Today

As legalization of cannabis progresses across the United States, efforts to reinvest in hemp are abound. The passage of the 2014 Farm Bill allowed for hemp to be grown for agricultural or academic research. Colorado’s pilot program has taken off, and Oregon’s Department of Agriculture established its own pilot program in February of this year.

Unlike its Coloradan counterpart, the Oregon program has been off to a rough start. Earlier this year, medical marijuana growers in southern Oregon raised concerns over hemp cultivation, citing fears that cross-pollination may weaken the quality of their crop. They want hemp farmers to grow their crops in eastern Oregon, where they hope the Cascades will act as a natural barrier against rogue hemp pollen.

However, the three most disputed counties – Josephine, Jackson, and Douglas – have some of the best conditions for outdoor crop cultivation in Oregon. Warm average temperatures and plenty of precipitation make for long outdoor growing seasons. Eastern Oregon, by contrast, is considerably drier with colder average temperatures. Researchers believe, however, that hemp requires less water than other varieties of the cannabis crop.

For now, Oregon’s industrial hemp program is on halt. The Department of Agriculture recently announced that it would temporarily stop issuing licenses for industrial hemp. Officials say that the decision is unrelated to marijuana growers’ concerns, but rather is due to a range of complex policy issues. Regardless, the road ahead appears to be a challenging one for cultivators and policymakers alike.

Substance Cannabis Dispensary on the north side of Bend, OR

Recreational Cannabis Stores in Bend, Oregon

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Everybody knows that Measure 91 makes the recreational use of cannabis legal in Oregon as of July 1st, but what does that really mean? It means that adults 21+ can have it, but they can’t buy it in a store just yet. Here is some information about adult cannabis possession and consumption — we refer to it as adult or recreational use. Let’s educate ourselves and, while we’re at it, share this information about responsible adult 21+ cannabis use.

Who can have it?

Adults who are at least 21 years old can possess and consume cannabis as of July 1st, 2015.  Users may not provide cannabis to anyone under the age of 21, not even in their own home.

How much can they have?

At home, cannabis users may possess a maximum of 8 ounces (227 grams) of dried cannabis flowers — bud. There may also be up to four plants grown per residence, but the plants must be grown out of public view. Outside of their home, but still out of public view, users may have up to one ounce of dried cannabis flowers in their possession.

Where can cannabis be consumed?

In private. Cannabis cannot legally be consumed in any public place or while driving.  Remember, it is always illegal, not to mention dangerous, to drive a vehicle while under the influence of intoxicants. Consider keeping cannabis in your trunk or other locking compartment to prevent hassles.

Where can they get it?

Medical dispensaries are not yet able to sell cannabis to everyone; only cannabis sales to OMMP cardholders are permitted. It is, however, legal for an OMMP patient to share their medical cannabis with their adult 21+ friends. Thanks to the passage of SB 460, dispensaries will be able to begin limited sales to adults over the age of 21 starting October 1st. Dispensaries will be able to sell up to 1/4 ounce of bud a day, as well as seeds and up to four clones, or starter plants.

However, SB 460 does not allow dispensaries to sell any other cannabis-infused products. That means no topicals, tinctures, edibles, or concentrates. The OLCC hopes to open adult-use stores with these products in the second half of 2016. Additionally, the adult use market will be taxed at 25% come January 2016. You can avoid the tax and gain access to a wider range of therapeutic products by keeping your OMMP cards current or applying for your card today.