PORTLAND, OR (KPTV) -
Oregon’s Measure 91, which would allow the legalization of recreational marijuana, remains a highly-debated ballot measure in the run-up to Tuesday’s election, but what would passage of the measure actually mean for Oregon?
According to the Oregon Voter’s Guide, if Measure 91 passes, adults over 21 would be able to possess up to eight ounces of pot at home, but only one ounce away from home. Also, a household could grow up to four marijuana plants. Use of marijuana would be prohibited while driving on a public road or while in a public place. And the OLCC would tax and regulate sales of marijuana and revenue would go to schools, drug treatments and the police.
If Measure 91 does not pass, with the exception of the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act state laws, pot will remain classified as a controlled substance, prohibited for cultivation, use or distribution.
Oregonians voted down a similar measure two years ago, but it is legally sold in Washington and Colorado now.
Some in law enforcement are in favor of the measure, believing current marijuana laws do not work. Paul Steigleder is a retired police officer of 30 years who is partnering with former police officers, judges and district attorneys in support of Measure 91.
“It’s currently easier for a kid in the state of Oregon to buy illegal bud than whiskey,” he said.
Another retired police officer, Pete Tutmark, also supports the measure.
“Usage rates have not changed. They go up and down on their own and we’ve made a lot of criminals very, very rich people,” Tutmark said.
Tamar Todd works for the Drug Policy Alliance and she drafted similar marijuana laws that passed in Washington and Colorado.
“They have to regulate advertising, they have to require testing, they have to require labeling,” Todd said.
Todd says that if 91 passes, the OLCC will have 13 months to create an implementation plan that is specifically focused on protecting children
Clatsop County District Attorney, Josh Marquis, opposes Measure 91 believing it will only make it easier for kids to buy marijuana.
“If you increase the supply and lower the price dramatically, you’re going to have a lot more use and unfortunately, you’re going to have a segment of that population that abuses it,” he said.
Supporters of Measure 91 argue that pot cases waste time and resources of the police and legal system.
Marquis disputes this claim, saying that out of 500 felony cases filed by his office last year, only three were for marijuana.
“Almost 15,000 people in prison in Oregon and a grand total of 71 are there for marijuana offenses,” he said.
Ballots must be received by 8 p.m. Tuesday.
Copyright 2014 KPTV-KPDX Broadcasting Corporation. All rights reserved.
Breaking down Measure 91 and the legalization of marijuana
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