Prohibition is Over: Recreational Cannabis is Now Legal in Oregon

A few months ago the citizens of Oregon approved the legalisation of recreational marijuana with a vote that coincided with the mid-term elections in the United States, although the approval did not go into effect until a few days ago, when the bill was approved. Oregon has thus become the fourth state or jurisdiction (after Alaska, Colorado and Washington D.C) to officially legalise this use of cannabis.

At this time consumers can cultivate four plants at home for personal use and keep 8 ounces of cannabis (about 225 grams) at home, and one ounce (about 28 grams) outside it. For now smoking in public is not permitted.

As Porkchop would say, the weed has been freed. Recreational marijuana is now legal in Oregon. #legalpot pic.twitter.com/0L3U2FlZfR

— The Oregonian (@Oregonian) julio 1, 2015

“The prohibition of marijuana has been a costly failure for the people, communities and state of Oregon,” indicated Tamar Todd, the director of marijuana policy at the Drug Policy Alliance, an organisation that fights against prohibition in this area.

Supporters of the measure celebrated its entrance into effect in a festive and peaceful atmosphere. Hundreds of people convened in Portland, the state's biggest city, to celebrate.

However, the sale of cannabis remains illegal, as the regulations governing the dispensaries where it will be sold are still being drafted. Thus, marijuana lovers will not be able to buy at official establishments until next year.

Advocates for legalisation in Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada hope to see similar measures passed at the ballot box in 2016, thereby joining their fellow US citizens who are already enjoying recreational marijuana within the law.