The Oregon state attorney general has officially approved a ballot title for a measure that would legalize marijuana consumption lounges, a proposal supporters want voters to consider in the 2026 election.
This step follows the release of a draft version about a month ago, which drew only one public comment. With the certified title now complete, the campaign is closer to beginning the large-scale signature drive needed to secure its spot on the ballot.
The effort is being led by Portland-based advocacy group the Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition (OCCC). The group had to gather at least 1,000 valid voter signatures before the state could prepare an official ballot title. In June, organizers submitted over 1,400 signatures, which were verified before issuing the draft.
The single comment submitted during the review argued that “lounges” was too vague a word and suggested “business establishments” instead. State election officials disagreed, saying “lounge” is a neutral and widely understood term, and quotation marks in the text already indicate the measure provides its own definition.
The person has until September 5 to ask the Oregon Supreme Court to review the title. If an appeal is filed, the court could uphold the current version, modify it, or send it back for revisions. Once the title is locked in, the campaign can officially launch its petitioning effort. To qualify, it must collect just over 117,000 valid signatures.
The certified ballot title outlines that a “yes” vote would allow marijuana lounges, limited to microbusinesses, where adults 21 and older could consume marijuana products they bring themselves. Sales of marijuana on-site would not be permitted, though non-cannabis food, drinks, and hemp-derived CBD could be offered.
Alcohol and tobacco use would be banned, and lounges would need to close by 2 a.m. Local governments would have the authority to regulate the establishments, inspect them, and impose additional rules.
The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) would regulate the program, handle licensing, and work with public health agencies to provide education on safe use and compliance rules. Lounges would also be required to display visible warnings about marijuana risks and house rules.
Justyce Seith, founder of the OCCC, expressed optimism about the campaign’s progress. She noted that fundraising for professional petitioners, advertising, and community outreach will be a key focus.
If voters approve the initiative in November 2026, it would take effect on January 1, 2027, officially creating a licensed system for marijuana social spaces in Oregon.
The marijuana industry, including major entities like Canopy Growth Corp. (NASDAQ: CGC) (TSX: WEED), will be watching how this ballot measure progresses and hoping that more states create regulations authorizing on-site marijuana consumption since it provides a space where consumers can legally consume cannabis away from their homes.
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