• 11 Jun 2019 5:39 PM | Jesse Bontecou (Administrator)

    Oregon Rep. Rob Nosse & a cannabis plant on the House floor for the
    SB 582 vote

    For Immediate Release
    June 11th, 2019
    CONTACT: Jesse Bontecou, (541) 632-4442 or staff@oregoncannabisretailers.com

    In a historic bi-partisan vote of 43-16 on Tuesday, the Oregon House passed SB-582 which will allow Oregon’s Governor to enter into agreements with other consenting states to allow for the legal export of cannabis between state markets.  Governor Brown is expected to sign the bill.

    Senator Floyd Prozanski, the bill’s sponsor, has been a champion of smart, rational cannabis policy in the Oregon legislature for more than two decades – and a key proponent of the concept.

    “This is a very strong statement by the Oregon legislature, and one that will reverberate across the country,” says Sen. Prozanski. “The future of this industry is that cannabis will primarily be grown where it grows best, and most efficiently, and most sustainably. That’s what functioning legal markets do.”

    The Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association (ORCA) has been working with lawmakers to develop a bill to establish a framework for exporting cannabis since 2015.  A similar bill was introduced in the 2017 session, where it was voted on by the Senate Judiciary Committee and passed 3-2, but the bill never received a vote in the Senate and died. Last month, the Oregon Senate passed SB 582 in a 19-9 vote.

    “This is a major paradigm shift for sure,” says Casey Houlihan, Executive Director of the Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association (ORCA). “When we started the conversation around cannabis exports four years ago, this was not on the radar of most legislators.  But it’s really smart public policy - it’s important to our members, important for our state, and important for the future of the entire cannabis industry.  Passing this bill at this critical moment is a testament to the massive value for the industry in building strong relationships with legislators and working to educate our lawmakers in Salem.”

    “The Emerald Region, from Oregon through Northern California, is one of the best and most important cannabis-producing regions in the world,” says Adam J. Smith, Founder and Executive Director of the Craft Cannabis Alliance, who also supported the bill. “In fact, this region has produced the majority of the nation’s domestic cannabis for generations.  As we move inexorably towards regulated markets, this bill brings us one step closer to sharing Oregon's bounty, legally, with consumers everywhere.”

    The bill contains a  “trigger” requiring that before the governor can enter into such an agreement, the federal government must allow such transfers in federal statute or indicate tolerance via a Department of Justice memo or policy directive. Seen as a long-shot before the session, the bill gained national attention as more and more states explore legalization policies. Under current conventions, every newly legal state must create a self-contained production industry, regardless of economic or environmental suitability.

    Houlihan continued, “For years, most members of the legislature have been overwhelmed with implementing cannabis legalization. With the passage of this bill, Oregon’s lawmakers will likely factor in the many positive local impacts of our position as a global leader in cannabis production.”


    ###


  • 15 May 2019 12:52 PM | Jesse Bontecou (Administrator)

    OREGON SENATE PASSES HISTORIC CANNABIS EXPORT BILL!

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

    May 15th, 2019
    CONTACT: Jesse Bontecou, ORCA Deputy Director
    (541) 632-4442 or 
    staff@oregoncannabisretailers.com

    In a historic move today, the Oregon Senate voted in favor of a bill that would create a framework to allow Oregon to export cannabis to other states or countries that have also adopted legalization.

    After passing with a 19-9 vote, the bill will now advance to the House, where it has already received support from lawmakers in both parties.  The Governor’s office has also indicated support for the bill, meaning that today’s Senate vote is likely the largest hurdle the bill will face on its way to becoming law.

    Before it would allow exports to occur, the bill requires an indication from the federal government that interstate commercial cannabis transactions won’t be prosecuted under federal law.  

    “There’s still a lot of work to do, but today’s Senate vote is a major step forward for the future of Oregon’s cannabis industry
     – and in securing our position as the country’s leading cannabis exporter” said Casey Houlihan, Executive Director of the Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association (ORCA).  

    ORCA has been working with lawmakers to develop a bill to establish a framework for exporting cannabis since 2015.  A similar bill was introduced in the 2017 session, where it was voted on by the Senate Judiciary Committee and passed 3-2, but the bill never received a vote in the Senate and died.

    Houlihan continued, “Oregon is already one of the leading exporters of cannabis in the nation, and it has been for decades.  We want those sales to be legal and regulated and taxed. The solution is fairly simple: We need a framework for exporting that excess supply into other states and countries as soon as possible.  

    "There’s not just a surplus of cannabis here – we have a massive wealth of knowledge, talent, experience, and skill that results in our state producing the highest quality cannabis in the world.  Our climate is ideal for large-scale cannabis cultivation.  Allowing Oregon producers and brands to access outside markets will bring innumerable jobs to some of the communities in Oregon that need them the most” Houlihan said.

    State Senator Floyd Prozanski – one of the chief sponsors of SB 582 – said of the bill, “This is a next step for Oregon to be a leader in the cannabis industry. We should do everything we can to promote the industry because it will, in fact, provide good family wage jobs in local communities.”



    The Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association is a trade association of over 350 cannabis businesses all across the state that work together to advocate for a more vibrant and responsible retail cannabis marketplace, which in turn creates an environment where all upstream businesses can thrive.

    ###

    We will continue to keep our members updated on the progress of this bill as it continues its way through the policymaking process

    Respectfully,

    Casey Houlihan
    Executive Director


  • 14 Apr 2019 11:12 AM | Deleted user

    The City of Portland invites you to apply for the 

    2019 Cannabis Social Equity Grants!  

    This is a restorative justice and community reinvestment grant opportunity funded by the City of Portland’s 3% local tax on retail cannabis sales.


    The Cannabis Program in the Office of Community & Civic Life will award eight to ten-month (8 to 10-month) grants to “promote small businesses, especially women-owned and minority-owned businesses” and “provide economic opportunity and education to communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.” 

    For this funding opportunity (fiscal year 2018-19), $490,000 is available for Cannabis Social Equity Grants. Applicants may request funding for projects and programs ranging from $25,000 to $150,000 in the following priority areas:

    RECORD CLEARING AND EXPUNGEMENT
    WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
    RE-ENTRY HOUSING SERVICES


    If you have experience or expertise in one of the priority areas, foster interconnected communities, and provide multicultural and community-specific engagement, please consider applying! 

    Non-profit and for-profit entities of any size are encouraged to apply. Please help us get the word out by forwarding this to your network. 

    You can use this link to download the 2019 Cannabis Social Equity Grants announcement and application, or visit www.portlandoregon.gov/CannabisTax for more information.


    Join  for one of our information sessions to learn more:

    April 26, 2019
    10 to11am, East Portland Community Office
    1017 NE 117th Ave, Portland OR 97220

    May 2, 2019
    4 to 5pm, Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods
    (4815 NE 7th Ave, Portland, OR 97211)


    Applications for funding are due Friday, May 24, 2019 by 11:59pm Pacific. 



    Questions?

    Please contact Kimie Ueoka with the Cannabis Program 
    at 

    503-823-2094 or kimie.ueoka@portlandoregon.gov.



    City of Portland Cannabis Program logo
  • 10 Apr 2019 11:36 AM | Deleted user

    The Oregon Liquor Control Commission is providing the following information to: recreational marijuana licensees and medical registrants.

    Bulletin CE2019-05 covers the following issues:

    • Sampling and Testing Procedures for Pre-Rolls

     

    Sampling and Testing Procedures for Pre-Rolls

    This bulletin describes how the weight of pre-rolls should be calculated for sampling and testing for purposes of potency.

    Two types of pre-rolls exist:

    • Non-infused (“plain”) pre-rolls that consist only of usable marijuana, unflavored rolling paper, and a filter, tip, or cone. These types of pre-rolls are usable marijuana and may be made by Recreational Producers, Recreational Wholesalers, and Recreational Retailers.
    • “Infused” pre-rolls that contain usable marijuana combined with anything other than plain paper and a filter, tip, cone, etc. This may include, but is not limited to, combining usable marijuana with any of the following: flavored rolling paper, flower petals, concentrate (e.g. kief), or extract (e.g. oil). These types of pre-rolls are “other cannabinoid products” and may only be made by Recreational Processors.

    A previous bulletin (CE2019-04) describes how pre-rolls should be categorized in Metrc beginning April 1, 2019.

    OLCC’s labeling rules describe the requirements for labeling weights and potency of usable marijuana (non-infused) pre-rolls as well as cannabinoid product (infused) pre-rolls.

    Visit OHA’s Oregon Medical Marijuana Program’s rules webpage for regulations regarding testing. Testing rules can be found under Division 7 for both medical and recreational marijuana.

    Non-Infused (Usable Marijuana) Pre-Rolls

    If usable marijuana has been created into pre-rolls prior to testing, the following procedures should be followed:

    For purposes of sampling: the full item net weight, including the unflavored paper, filter, tip, cone, etc., counts towards the weight of the 15 pound batch limit.

    For purposes of testing and calculating Total THC and Total CBD: labs should unroll any pre-rolls that have been sampled and conduct tests on only the usable marijuana. When calculating Total THC and Total CBD as milligrams of THC (or CBD) per gram of item weight, only the weight of the usable marijuana should be included in the denominator of the calculation.

    For purposes of labeling percent THC and CBD: labels for non-infused (usable marijuana) pre-rolls require the concentration of THC and CBD to be expressed as a percentage. The value on the label should be based on only the weight of the usable marijuana.

    For example:

    • A Recreational Producer has a single-strain harvest lot that they intend to use for pre-rolls. If the pre-roll is 1 gram of usable marijuana and an aggregate weight of 0.5 grams of unflavored rolling paper, filter, tip, etc., the Producer could have a maximum of 4,535 pre-rolls in a 15 pound batch for purposes of sampling.
    • The appropriate number of samples are taken by the lab. When the lab tests the pre-rolls for Total THC the result is 200 milligrams of THC per pre-roll; the lab would report the result as 200 mg/g Total THC because the weight of the usable marijuana is 1 gram.
    • The label of the pre-roll for sale to a customer would list the THC percentage as 20% because the weight of the usable marijuana in the pre-roll is 1 gram.

    Usable marijuana may be tested prior to making into non-infused (usable marijuana) pre-rolls. As long as no additional elements are added other than unflavored paper, a filter, tip, cone, etc., the test results for the batch of usable marijuana remain valid. If creation of the pre-rolls is done after testing has been conducted, the labeling of the percentage of THC and CBD should be based only on the usable marijuana weight of the pre-roll and should not be based on the full item net weight (see above labeling example).

     

    Infused (Other Cannabinoid Product) Pre-Rolls

    Infused pre-rolls must be tested like any other cannabinoid product – all input material must be tested according to the Oregon Health Authority’s rules based on the input product type (see the “if intended for further processing” column at this link) and the final item must be tested for potency. For purposes of sampling, testing, and labeling the full item net weight (including the filter, tip, crutch, etc.) must be used.

    For example:

    • A Recreational Processor combines 1 gram of usable marijuana; 0.25 grams of keif; and a total of 0.5 grams of flavored rolling paper, filter, tip, cone, etc. The full infused pre-roll net weight is 1.75 grams.
    • The appropriate number of samples are taken by the lab. When the lab tests the pre-rolls for Total THC the result is 450 milligrams of THC per pre-roll; the lab would report the result as 257.14 mg/g Total THC because the net weight of the pre-roll as a whole is 1.75 grams (450 mg THC ÷ 1.75 grams item net weight). 
    • On the label for sale to a customer, cannabinoid products must express THC and CBD as milligrams in each serving and in the container. The label of this infused pre-roll would list the Total THC for the container as 450 mg (257.14 mg/g THC * 1.75 gram item net weight). The per-serving Total THC amount would be 450 mg divided by the number of servings.

     

    Resources for Licensees and Medical Registrants Related to Pre-Rolls

     

    OLCC rules impacting this issue:

    For More Information:

    www.marijuana.oregon.gov

    Email: marijuana@oregon.gov

    Phone: 503-872-5000, Option 1

    Toll Free: 800-452-6522, Option 1

  • 8 Feb 2019 10:24 AM | Deleted user

    Problem: CurrentlyOregonians are at risk of losing their jobs or being denied an employment opportunity simply for the consumption of legal substances in their off-hours.

    Oregon employees may be fired or not hired solely due to their employer learning that they have consumed legal substances like cannabis during their personal time, even if they were never impaired at work and the use did not impact their performance.

    This is especially problematic for cannabis use, as metabolites can remain detectable in the system for 20-30 days following a single use. Currently, off-hours tobacco use is protected from employment discrimination by statute.

    The current dynamic is hindering the ability of otherwise qualified people to find and/or keep jobs - increasing Oregonian’s risk of financial insecurity. This is especially true for lower wage employees, further entrenching legal cannabis as a right only for the wealthy and privileged.

    Solution: Support HB 2655, and extend current employment protections to include cannabis the same way it protects off-hours tobacco use, with the proper exceptions for safety, negotiated labor contracts, actual on the job impairment or use of intoxicants.

    • This would not protect employees who are impaired on the job, and only prevents using off-hours consumption as grounds for terminating or rejecting employment

    • We can include certain necessary exemptions for jobs that have a legitimate or ‘bona-fire occupational requirement or qualification’ that would be highly relevant.

    • Exceptions can also exist for collective bargaining agreements or other positions where employees enter into a contract agreeing not to consume in their off-hours.

      Oregon would not be the first state to pass an employment protection law of this kind.
      There are currently at least nine states providing employment protections for either medical or recreational cannabis and Vancouver B.C. now provided these protections to its police force.

      We Urge You To Please Vote Yes on HB 2655!

      The Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association (ORCA) is a trade association of over 300 member businesses working to develop smart cannabis policy that promotes a robust retail cannabis marketplace in Oregon. 

  • 7 Feb 2019 10:18 AM | Deleted user

    On behalf of our members we strongly support legal cannabis export and believe that it is essential to the long-term health and success of Oregon’s cannabis industry.  Accordingly, we appreciate the intent of this bill but we have concerns with the language and would suggest several changes. 

    National legalization and the ability to export cannabis nationally and internationally is an inevitability at this point. National polling from October showed the 66% of Americans now support legalization, thirty-three states have medical cannabis and ten states plus Washington D.C. have recreational cannabis and there is every indication that these trends are continuing rapidly.  

    That being said we do not know how, when and in what manner national legalization and/or legal export of cannabis will happen.  For example, there could be a period where cannabis is not descheduled but export is allowed between states with compliant medical and recreational programs or there could just be full national legalization with states opting in.

    As we cannot predict the manner by which export becomes legal we strongly believe that an export bill should provide as much flexibility as possible to the Governor’s office and the OLCC to authorize and regulate the export of cannabis as soon as it is legally possible under as many legal structures as possible.

    Therefore we would advocate for changes amendments to this bill to ensure that the following goals are achieved: 

    1) Provide enough flexibility and authority to the Governor’s office and the OLCC to export cannabis as soon as is legally feasible without having to come back to the legislature (since we don’t know when legalization might happen). 

    2) Provide guidance, resources, benchmarks for the Governors administration and the OLCC to develop the necessary rules, administrative structures, and systems to regulate cannabis export ahead time.

    3) Establish a reasonable and nationally competitive tax rate for exported cannabis. And, ensure that a significant portion of the taxes are fairly distributed to the counties in relation to amount of cannabis being farmed.

    Thank you for your time and please do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions, comments, or concerns.

    Respectfully,

    Casey Houlihan
    Executive Director
    Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association

    http://www.oregoncannabisretailers.com

    Two in Three Americans Now Support Legalizing Marijuana 

    https://news.gallup.com/poll/243908/two-three-americans-support-legalizing-marijuana.aspx

  • 6 Feb 2019 10:22 AM | Deleted user

    Currently, Oregon’s cannabis industry is in crisis, especially our cannabis growers. Oregon’s 1000+ farms are producing far more cannabis than Oregonians can consume -forcing a price war among producers that has driven prices down to unsustainable rates. The result is thousands of companies fighting to survive, putting thousands more jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars of local capital at imminent risk of loss.

    The constraints on Oregon’s market are a consequence of legalization. The barriers preventing growers from accessing legal markets within the state will force much of that perishable excess supply into other states, no matter what. That’s already happening. Oregon has been a net-exporter of cannabis for decades. We know prohibition doesn’t work. We want those sales to be legal, regulated, and taxed.

    The Solution is simple – We Must Legalize Cannabis Exports. It would:

    1. 1)  Ensure that Oregon and our cannabis – world-renowned for its outstanding quality - are the leading supplier of cannabis to the rest of the country and the rest of the world, just like we are for hops.

    2. 2)  Create a thriving cannabis economy, employing tens of thousands and generating hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars of revenue for Oregon’s cannabis farms and other small businesses.

    3. 3)  Create a new stream of tax revenue for the state and local counties potentially many times larger than we currently raise from the in-state retail sales of cannabis

    4. 4)  Incentivize licensure and dramatically reduce the amount of cannabis entering the illicit market

    Oregon Legislature’s Role: Please pass a bill that gives the Governor’s office and the OLCC the authority and flexibility to regulate and legally export cannabis to other states or countries as soon as possible. We know that the federal legalization of cannabis is looming, and we want to make sure that Oregon can begin exporting as soon as that happens. We must remove the barriers in state statute now.

    Ways the legislature can help Oregon’s cannabis farmers and processors:

    1. Fix Oregon’s statutes that currently make it illegal to export cannabis even if it were federally legal.

    2. Enable the OLCC to develop the necessary rules and systems ahead of time so that we are fully ready

      to increase our production and exporting to inter-state and international markets as soon as possible.

    3. Protect the value of existing cannabis licensees and the early investments that it took to create them.

    4. Drive the legal cannabis export conversation forward nationally, to expedite federal legalization.

    5. Accelerate the creation of thousands of jobs in cannabis production, processing, and distribution.

    We urge you to support legislation that would allow for the legal export of cannabis as soon as possible, so we can grow this important sector of the state’s economy.

    The Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association (ORCA) is a non-profit trade association of over 350 member businesses working to create a thriving and respected legal cannabis industry in Oregon.

  • 4 Feb 2019 10:26 AM | Deleted user

    Problem: For decades, Oregonians have been convicted of crimes relating to cannabis that are no longer illegal.  The long-term impact of these convictions on Oregonians is often severe. Convictions can hinder a citizen’s ability to find employment, qualify for federal benefits, find and secure housing, and many other aspects of everyday life.  

    Multiple statistical studies have shown how people of color have disproportionately borne the brunt of the failed drug war, and the negative impacts for drug convictions.  The current process in Oregon for expungement is done through an application process, usually requiring the help of an attorney, and adding unnecessary barriers that further hinder those with the least amount of resources from having their record cleared. 

    By acting, the legislature can remove many of those past convictions automatically.

    Solution: Support SB420, which aims to automatically expunge past cannabis misdemeanors that would no longer be illegal under the law today, and establish a simplified process to reduce past cannabis felonies to misdemeanors when appropriate.

    Oregon should join Washington, California, and the ten other states that have acted to- or are currently working toward – automatically correcting records for those charges.

    For those dealing with past convictions, this issue cannot wait.  Please act now.

    WE URGE YOU TO SUPPORT SB420 TO HELP PROVIDE JUSTICE 
    TO THE VICTIMS OF THE FAILED WAR 

    The Oregon Retailers of Cannabis Association (ORCA) is a trade association of over 300 member businesses working to develop smart cannabis policy that promotes a robust retail cannabis marketplace in Oregon. 

  • 12 Dec 2018 10:01 AM | Deleted user

    Happy Holidays! However you celebrate (or if you don’t), we hope this season brings you prosperity and happiness. 

    Cannabis saw huge wins this year, especially in the mid-term elections and things aren't slowing downing. There is already a plethora of great cannabis bills introduced across the country for 2019, which we give a quick snapshot of below.

    Oregon is no exception, ORCA is working on 5 major policy bills for the industry. If you like what we are working on please consider joining our 350 current member businesses and help us succeed in the 2019 legislature. Simply, the more members we have the stronger we are, the louder our voice is, and the more likely we are to win. 

    To those who are getting our newsletter for the first time - welcome, we hope that you enjoy it. With that let's get started...

    Oregon Update -


    The November Election - was terrific for Oregon's cannabis industry with six Oregon cities voting to legalize recreational cannabis businesses. Democrats won super-majorities in the House and Senate and we have strong supporters in party leadership positions. There are a lot of challenges before us but 2019 is looking really good for cannabis legislation in Oregon.

    Additionally, Rep. Carl Wilson was elected as Minority Leader by the House Republicans.  Wilson served on the "Joint Committee" for its duration and understands the importance of cannabis to Oregon's Economy. With a Republican leader who understands the nuance to cannabis policy, we are in a strong position of achieving our goals.

    2019 Legislative Session - ORCA representatives have been stumping for our policy priorities in Salem. And We are working with our alliance partners to educate elected officials and staff about the policy needs of the cannabis industry and build support for the change we all want. 

    ORCA's major focus (as we have noted) is on passing bills for:

    • Automatic expungement of cannabis convictions
    • Legal cannabis export
    • Fixing social consumption
    • Ending employment discrimination for off-hours cannabis use
    • Tackling unnecessary and expensive regulatory burdens relating to manifests, transportation, delivery, storage, and B2B sampling. 

    If you haven't signed the petition yet for legal cannabis export, take a moment right now to sign on at www.onefixcannabis.org.

    FYI - We will be hosting a Cannabis Industry Lobby Day March 12 for ORCA members. 

    Portland Cannabis Criminal Record Expungement


    The City of Portland has recently funded the Metropolitan Public Defenders office to provide free expungement services for the public. If you have been harmed by cannabis prohibition email:  cannabiscleared@mpdlaw.com to begin your free analysis. 

    OLCC licensing news - As of Dec. 19th Oregon has 2086 active licenses an increase of 60 licenses since mid-September. These new licenses break down to 1 Lab, 10 Processors, 15 farms, 24 Retailers, and 12 Wholesalers.

    We know that there will be an effort in the legislature this year to give the OLCC the ability to limit the number of licenses granted.  We are tracking this effort to make sure it is done right and doesn't hurt the existing industry.    

    THE OTHER STATES - 


    1 in 4 Americans now lives in a state where cannabis is fully legal and 68% live in a state with medical cannabis. In total ten states and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana for recreational use, while 33 states allow medical marijuana. The real question now is not if but when states will go fully legally.  

    State Cannabis legalization - Is definitely on a roll and picking up speed. The focus of the industry now needs to be on proactively shaping its policies and regulations.  We all must be politically engaged to ensure that we get the actual industry we want when everything is said and done.

    Federal, and International Updates

    Federal Updates

    The recent election had a massive impact on the potential for cannabis legislation across the country.  We are very hopeful that the 2019 session will see significant progress on several fronts in the movement to legalize more broadly, especially if the industry comes together fights hard.

    1) Senate Judiciary - Senator Chuck Grassley will step down as Chair to be replaced by Sen Lindsay Graham. Graham, while certainly not a proponent for fully legal cannabis, has co-sponsored several beneficial pieces of legislation (to protect legal markets, reschedule cannabis, and remove CBD from a list of federally banned substances) so it is more likely we will see positive progress as a result of this change. 

    2) Pete Sessions lost - His bid for re-election in Texas. This is great news for the cannabis industry. While most are familiar with Jeff Sessions (the evil Keebler Elf of the DOJ), Pete Sessions, as the previous chair of the House Rules Committee, consistently killed bipartisan any pro-cannabis measures he could. Getting rid of him is a huge victory let's hope no one picks up his mantle.

    3) 2018 Farm Bill - Woo Hoo! It has now passed both House and Senate and is headed to the President’s desk for approval. The long-awaited bill removes industrial hemp from the federal government’s list of controlled substances, making it a lawful agricultural commodity. It also allows states to become the primary regulators of hemp, enables researchers to apply for federal grants and makes the crop eligible for crop insurance. Both farmers and investors are looking forward to a loosening of hemp regulations expecting the market could grow from $800M to $22B in the next four years.

    4) The STATES Act - Senator Cory Gardner tried to attach the STATES Act as an amendment to the criminal justice reform bill coming to the Senate floor this week. Although it is a move unlikely to gain more than attention, it is an indicator of the strength of the movement at the federal level going into the 2019 session.

    5) The MAPLE Act - Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer filed a bill to make sure we can hang out with our friends and partners in Canada. The new legislation, the Maintaining Appropriate Protections For Legal Entry (MAPLE) Act, would provide exceptions for conduct that “was lawful in the State, Indian Tribe, or foreign country in which the conduct occurred” or that was “subsequently made lawful under the law or regulation of such jurisdiction.” While it is unlikely the proposal will be passed before the end of the current legislative session, it will go to the newly democratic House in the 116th session.

    6) Cannabis Economy - A recent report entitled “The National Cannabis Economy” released by Democrats on the Congressional Joint Economic Committee shows that the industry has brought in more than $8 billion in sales in 2017, estimates sales will reach $11 billion this year, and soar to $23 billion by 2022

    International Update  


    Canada - As the global market expands, state-legal markets and cross-border businesses continue to suffer under Federal Prohibition. Several Canadian attendees were banned from attending MJBizcon in Las Vegas, and at least one investor was banned for life. As cannabis stocks continue to multiply, this ongoing uncertainty does provide a drag on the market, trading has been volatile and trending down.

    Mexico - As Canada’s market swiftly starts to mature, Mexico has introduced legislation to allow cultivation and sale by private citizens. Although facing some opposition, the MORENA Party (the same as President-Elect Andrés Manuel López Obrador) feels confident the legislation will pass both houses. As currently written, the bill would allow for a commercial, medicinal, and recreational industry as well as a provision for citizens to grow their own. Smoking in public would also be allowed.

    Thailand - In a surprise move, Thailand’s National Legislative Assembly announced an intention to become the first country in Asia to cultivate and sell cannabis. They did stress an intention to serve the medical market but are excited about the economic opportunity posed.  Thailand will join the growing cohort of nations who have legalized cannabis for medical use including Australia, Germany, and Israel.

    CANNABIS EVENTS:

    ORCA MEMBERS' MEETING with Rep Rachel Prusak (HD37)

    ORCA's January 7th Members Meeting will feature guest speaker Representative-Elect Rachel Prusak (HD37). Rep. Prusak won her first legislative election this fall. We have big hopes for her in the legislature but it is important to get her up to speed on cannabis quickly. Please come and share your experiences, concerns, and hopes for the industry with her. 


    January 2019 ORCA Meeting - Portland, OR

    Monday, January 7th, 6:00-8:30pm

    Cultiva Law

    *OPEN TO MEMBERS AND INVITED GUESTS ONLY*

    Not a member yet, sign up today - Join ORCA!

    We'll start with a brief round of introductions and then quickly move through our agenda. Our special guest will speak from 6:45pm to 7:45pm. Folks can then relax and enjoy some casual networking with complimentary food and drinks.

    CANNABIS COLLABORATIVE CONFERENCE - FOCUS ON THE FUTURE


    The Cannabis CollaborativeConference (CCC) is a rare and valuable experience created “By the industry, for the Industry”. For five years, CCC has brought together education, networking and innovations on the high impact issues. A recent article in the WEED NEWS- outlines why this Conference is more important than ever.

    Join the 2,500+ like-minded attendees, to engage in Future of the Industry discussions (Keynote: Across State Lines: A Conversation with the OLCC and LCB.) Connect with thought-leaders to address high-value issues, and network with our carefully curated network of cannabis and ancillary businesses.

    NEW! Pitch Contest

    CCC & Willamette Week are hosting a joint Pitch Contest. Semi-finalists will have the chance to pitch their company to a panel of investors, who will choose the five finalists to pitch on the Main Stage to close the conference.

    As the Oregon and Washington markets mature, business owners concerns are evolving. The CCC includes a mix of presentations and panels focused on the future trends of the industry:

    • Hemp/ CBD
    • Best Business Practices
    • Emerging Markets
    • Branding
    • Social Media/ Marketing
    • Medical Science
    • Social Justice

    Plus!

    • OLCC will also be in the hall next door providing Oregon licensees’ rules & reg updates, Q & A booth on-site
    • Rule updates and Q&A with OLCC representatives.
    • Networking Opportunities - local, national and international.
    • Investor speed-dating & Cannabis Connex Lounge

    Introductions that Matter

    Growers meet Buyers, Investors meet Entrepreneurs, Agencies meet Advocates. We bring together the most diverse audience in the industry and then create opportunities for meeting, networking and learning.

    “I have attended the CCC as both a visitor and as a booth exhibitor, and I absolutely love this conference in all ways. The expo floor is full, diverse and energetic AND is organized and licensed with the OLCC to allow exhibitors to show their cannabis products (huge benefit for us!). But not only is this show an expo, but presents multiple and simultaneous break-out seminars that are educational and offer a thorough variety of subjects. This is by far the most educational cannabis conference I attend, and I have been going to a lot! (OMBC, ICBC, CannaCon, etc.)” ~~ Rhea Miller, Millerville Farms

    Weekly Wholesale Report

    We have attached our weekly wholesale flower report this month. ORCA members get this weekly courtesy of our good friends at CannabisBenchmarks.


    Download Full Report!


    WHY ORCA!

    The driving mission for ORCA and our 350+ member businesses is to create a thriving and respected legal cannabis industry through lobbying, advocacy, and community organizing. Our primary focus is on fixing regulations and statutes to improve the business environment for the industry.

    Every new member makes our voice louder, increases our resources, and makes our success more certain. Growing our membership is vital to our ability to make change. Consider forwarding this email, or inviting a friend to the next ORCA meeting. Our accomplishments are a direct reflection of our membership, we rely on you to help us grow.  


    Members also get a ton of great benefits like promotional opportunities, advertising discounts, urgent policy updates, and access to MAPS credit union bank accounts for licensed businesses anywhere in the state. 

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    That's all for December. Thanks again for following our work, and for your interest in supporting the work our organization does.  It truly makes a difference and we appreciate the support.

    Respectfully,

    Jesse Bontecou
    Deputy Director

  • 23 Nov 2018 10:14 AM | Deleted user

    The November Election - was terrific for Oregon's cannabis industry with six Oregon cities voting to legalize recreational cannabis businesses. Democrats won super-majorities in the House and Senate and we have strong supporters in party leadership positions. There are a lot of challenges before us but 2019 is looking really good for cannabis legislation in Oregon.

    Additionally, Rep. Carl Wilson was elected as Minority Leader by the House Republicans.  Wilson served on the "Joint Committee" for its duration and understands the importance of cannabis to Oregon's Economy. With a Republican leader who understands the nuance to cannabis policy, we are in a strong position of achieving our goals.

    1 in 4 Americans now lives in a state where cannabis is fully legal and 68% live in a state with medical cannabis. In total ten states and Washington, D.C., have legalized marijuana for recreational use, while 33 states allow medical marijuana. The real question now is not if but when states will go fully legally.

    California - A recent decision in California Tax Court against Harborside Health Center may have impacts throughout the cannabis industry. The IRS successfully argued that the business was a for-profit entity and not entitled to deductions because of their status as a 280e business. This decision establishes a very narrow definition for Cost of Goods Sold. The decision may be appealed to the Ninth Circuit which covers Oregon. We will keep you updated on the issue as it unfolds. In the meantime, cannabis businesses might want to check-in with their accountants to find out how they could be affected. 

    Connecticut - Governor Ned Lamott has indicated cannabis legalizationwill be among his top priorities in the 2019 session.

    Massachusetts - Is now open for business with three recreational shopsnow open. Although, patients were asked to book a time to ease traffic concerns. Early sales have already produced $7m.

    Michigan - Woo Hoo! With 56% of the vote, Michigan has joined The Legal Rec Club! The first state to do so in the Mid-West, the law took effect December 6 and allow citizens to cultivate, possess, and consume cannabis. Adults can cultivate up to 12 plants and possess up to 10 oz in their home. However, its expected they won't have licensed retail shops until 2020.  

    Missouri - Voters overwhelmingly voted to legalize medical cannabis by 32% margin of victory. Lawmakers haven't missed a beat and have already introduced bills for full legalization and to block feds access to patient info.  

    Nebraska - will bring a 2020 ballot measure to a vote for both medical and recreational use.

    New York - Governor Andrew Cuomo announced today that he will push to legalize recreational cannabis in 2019 with a focus on redressing imbalances in criminal justice application.

    North Dakota - Sadly rejected a ballot measure to legalize cannabis for recreational purposes. 

    Rhode Island - is considering recreational cannabis as other New England states quickly evolve their policy. Opinions remain divided, with public safety and revenue the main considerations.  

    South Carolina - Legislators have already pre-filed four pro-cannabis bills this week for decriminalization and to legalize medical cannabis.

    Texas - Legislators have been busy filling twelve cannabis bills covering everything from decriminalization to a ballot measure for full legalization!  

    Utah - Voters legalized medical cannabis with 53% but the State legislature is complicating the issue and the specifics of how legalization will unfold is still a major question.

    State Cannabis legalization - Is definitely on a roll and picking up speed. The focus of the industry now needs to be on proactively shaping its policies and regulations.  We all must be politically engaged to ensure that we get the actual industry we want when everything is said and done.

    If you want to help ORCA do just that please become a member and add your voice to the fight.  You can sign up in less than a minute and membership starts at just $35.00 a month.