Recreational marijuana is now legal and can be freely given away in Oregon, with the measure legalising the use of pot in the state officially taking effect on July 1.
Individuals aged 21 and above in Oregon are now allowed to possess up to an ounce of recreational marijuana outside their homes. When at home, people of the same age group can possess up to 8 ounces of pot.
The growing of up to four marijuana plants at home has also been legalised.
These provisions on recreational marijuana possession and cultivation are stipulated in Measure 91, which voters in Oregon approved last fall.
However, the Oregon Legislature and the Oregon Liquor Control Commission have yet to come up with regulations on the state's marijuana industry. This means that as of now, there is still no way to legally purchase recreational marijuana in the state, except for those who need pot for medical purposes.
Since the Oregon legislature may take more than a year to come up with the regulations, recreational marijuana is not yet expected to be sold in the state until late 2016.
So can people in Oregon still get hold of marijuana even without a law covering its commercial distribution?
They can, as long as they know someone who holds a medical marijuana card. Individuals in possession of this card can legally share marijuana buds, seeds or plants.
Oregon lawmakers are also looking at the possibility of passing a measure within the year that will allow medical marijuana dispensaries to sell to recreational consumers.
Although possession of recreational marijuana has been legalised in Oregon, there are still several prohibited acts, most notably using and exchanging marijuana in public, and driving under the influence of marijuana.
Importing or exporting across borders, exceeding possession limits, and buying and possessing for individuals below 21 years old, and distributing large amounts of marijuana without securing proper licenses are also not allowe
