It’s official: Oregon voters will decide in November whether to regulate, tax and legalize marijuana for adults 21 and over.

The Oregon Secretary of State has certified that our petition campaign has turned in enough valid signatures to qualify the Control, Regulation, and Taxation of Marijuana and Industrial Hemp Act for the November ballot.

We are celebrating today’s achievement by hosting our first voter registration canvass in Pioneer Courthouse Square, led by young Oregonians who will be decisive in winning a new approach to marijuana.

“This is our moment to be part of history and lead a movement,” said Dominic Lopez, metro regional organizer for New Approach Oregon. “Treating marijuana use as a crime has failed, but together we can win a more sensible approach and better the lives of Oregonians.”

Measure 53 is designed to regulate cannabis use for adults age 21 and over in the state of Oregon. It will not dismantle the current medical marijuana system, nor will it prevent Oregonians over 21 from growing their own marijuana plants. The approach prohibits minors from buying, selling, manufacturing, possessing or consuming marijuana. It will remain a felony to sell to minors.

A vital piece of the approach states that marijuana will be taxed to pay for state and local services – namely  law enforcement, education, and health services.