Sine die got here for Oregon’s 2026 legislative session final Friday, March 6th. I previewed the roster of cannabis bills in play again on February 12th. Two of them handed; two of them failed. Beneath is a recap of the motion, with hyperlinks to every invoice within the headers.
This was the session’s omnibus hashish invoice, which I defined had a tough begin as a consequence of varied disagreements between the marijuana and hemp lobbies. On February 16th, HB 4139 was shuttled to the Methods and Means Committee and by no means heard from once more—a destiny that befalls many payments in that committee, particularly briefly periods.
The upshot is that we gained’t see quite a lot of new police powers arrogated to state companies, and we gained’t get key definitions on hemp phrases. Nor will we see a tax on the sale of intoxicating hemp objects in Oregon. For a fuller description of what was at stake right here, take a look at my prior submit, or the engrossed version of HB 4139 that died in Methods and Means.
This one was known as the “hospice invoice” and in addition “Ryan’s Regulation.” It was named for Ryan Bartell, a terminal most cancers affected person who discovered aid via medical hashish. I beforehand defined that HB 4142 expands the definition of “debilitating medical situation” for the medical use of marijuana, to incorporate “the necessity for hospice, palliative care, consolation care or different symptom administration, together with [comprehensive] ache administration.” That language stayed intact, with the one addition being the phrase “complete.”
The legislation applies to hospice applications, residential amenities and palliative care settings, however exempts hospitals and their affiliated clinics. It additionally protects amenities and workers from state prison legal responsibility for possessing, delivering, or manufacturing medical marijuana for sufferers. And it prohibits the Oregon State Board of Nursing from disciplining nurses for discussing medical hashish with sufferers. All good things.
Assuming Governor Kotek both indicators or doesn’t veto this invoice, it turns into operative on January 1, 2027. Qualifying amenities are required to have written insurance policies in place by June 30, 2027 for the procurement, storage and administration of medical marijuana. By December 31, 2027, amenities should make academic coaching obtainable to workers. I’ve no cause to consider Governor Kotek gained’t assist this invoice. It follows related laws in California from 2021, and it sailed via the session with out controversy.
Right here’s what I wrote on LinkedIn some three weeks in the past, relating to this invoice:
True story 🙄🙄. HB 1462 was introduced by the Native UFCW 55. They’re trying to repeal a legislation that took impact by way of a poll measure that the Union itself initiated. Learn that once more.
UFCW first tried to push the legislation via legislatively, just a few years again. However the Union couldn’t get traction as a consequence of Workplace of Legislative Counsel findings that the idea was UNCONSTITUTIONAL.
UFCW then pushed a recall effort in opposition to one of many opposing legislators, and began gathering signatures for a poll measure to cross the unconstitutional legislation.
Oregon voters accredited it, not appreciating the failings. I and others criticized the measure for apparent causes and stated it must be challenged. That predictably occurred, and UFCW/Oregon was routed at District Court docket. Case is now on attraction for some cause.
Now, moderately than face one other unfavorable ruling (Ninth Circuit), UFCW is asking the legislature to unwind what lawmakers and others advised it to not do within the first place.
You don’t should be anti-union (I’m not) to understand how asinine that is. Large waste of time and taxpayer cash right here in Oregon. I would really like this to get some press.
That’s sufficient stated, in all probability. We will anticipate a dismissal of the pending Ninth Circuit attraction someday quickly.
This was styled as a “public well being” invoice that proffered further edibles packaging and dispensary siting necessities. I seen the invoice as pointless and wasteful, which I think about was the trade consensus. I additionally wasn’t shocked to see it falter, even because it received some traction in its journey via just a few committees.
As with all of those failed payments, SB 1548A may at all times pop up once more subsequent session, as a stand-alone invoice or in another format. Hopefully it doesn’t, although.
Conclusion
Keep tuned for Governor Kotek’s signature on HB 4142 and HB 4162. If Kotek doesn’t signal or veto both invoice by April 17th, 2026, each bill becomes law automatically. We’ll additionally see some company rulemaking round HB 4142, doubtless starting this fall. As at all times, we’ll proceed to replace on any main developments. Onward!
