Kate Brown signs sweeping marijuana regulatory bill that also lowers several pot crime sentences

Gov. Kate Brown, making her first big decision on marijuana policy, has signed a sweeping cannabis regulation bill that also reduces penalties for several crimes still associated with the drug.

In signing House Bill 3400, the governor expressed concern about a provision in the bill making it easier for local governments to prohibit marijuana businesses if at least 55 percent of county voters had opposed the Measure 91 legalization initiative.

Brown said in a signing statement that she recognized the unusual circumstances because marijuana remains illegal under federal law, but warned legislators not to adopt this approach on other issues.  Local government lobbyists have argued that local jurisdictions can't be forced to accept businesses that violate the federal prohibition on marijuana.

HB 3400 is the Legislature's major attempt this session to set out the parameters of the new legal market for marijuana.  It includes new limits on the size of medical marijuana growing operations, requires new testing and labeling standards for cannabis products and allows voters in cities and counties to levy up to a 3 percent sales tax on marijuana.

In addition, the measure lowers a number of penalties for the remaining marijuana offenses to match them more closely with the sentences for alcohol-related crimes.  Supporters said it was part of their effort to move away from a "war on drugs" approach, and the measure also makes it easier for past and future marijuana offenders to have a sentence expunged so it doesn't affect their job, housing and education prospects.

"As we move forward, it is my expectation that the agencies involved [with marijuana regulation] will focus on the principles of public safety and consumer protection during the rulemaking and implementation period," Brown said, "while also trying to provide an environment conducive to small business development."

She said also said that the Legislature will have to continue to deal with a number of marijuana-related issues including the possibility of "unintended consequences for land use protection."

--Jeff Mapes

503-221-8209

@jeffmapes

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