Marijuana Legalization in Oregon:

A Step Too Far

1. Some History

• Oregon has long had a sensible approach to marijuana . . .

1973• Oregon became the first state to

decriminalize possession of user amounts of marijuana– Less than one ounce

Reference: 1973 Oregon Laws, Chapter 680 (Enrolled House Bill 2936)

1998Oregon was the second state to approve of medical marijuana

Reference: 1999 Oregon Laws, Chapter 4 (1998 Ballot Measure 67)

2013• We have also dramatically reduced crime

levels and sentencing for marijuana offenses

• It is now nearly impossible to be sent to prison in Oregon for a state marijuana crime

Reference: 2013 Oregon Laws, Chapter 591 (Enrolled Senate Bill 40), and Chapter 649 (Enrolled House Bill 3194)

2013• Current possession offense levels:

– Marijuana (leaves, stems, and flowers)• Under 1 ounce = Violation• 1 to under 4 ounces = Class B misdemeanor• 4 ounces or more = Class C felony

– Marijuana product (hash, hash oil, etc)• Under ¼ ounce = Class B misdemeanor• ¼ ounce or more = Class C felony

Reference: ORS 475.864

2. Colorado and Washington

• Do we really want this kind of marketing in our community?

Marketing

Marketing to Youth

• THC-infused products attractive to youth . . .

THC-Infused Products Attractive to Youth

THC-Infused Products Attractive to Youth

THC-Infused Products Attractive to Youth

THC-Infused Products Attractive to Youth

THC-Infused Products Attractive to Youth

THC-Infused Products Attractive to Youth

Predictable results . . .

Predictable results . . .

Predictable results . . .

Predictable results . . . Young man leaps to death after eating pot-laced cookie

Predictable results . . .

And DUII

• Marijuana impaired driving offenses in Washington have gone up 40%, in just one year

Source: Dr Fiona Couper, Washington State Toxicologist (2014)

3. Marijuana is not harmless

Marijuana Addiction Rates• When use begins:

–As an adult, there is a 1 in 11 chance of becoming addicted

–As an adolescent, there is a 1 in 6 chance of becoming addicted

Source: Anthony, JC, Warner, LA, & Kessler, RC (1994); Giedd, J N (2004)

2013 Oregon Substance Abuse Treatment Admissions(by primary drug of abuse)

Source: Oregon Health Authority (2014)

2013 Oregon Drug Abuse Treatment Admissions(by primary drug of abuse)

Source: Oregon Health Authority (2014)

Increased Potency

• Three-fold in last 15 years• Five-fold since 1960

Source: Mehmedic, et al (2010)

Do we really want more Oregonians using marijuana?

More Effects on Youth

• Negative effect on learning and academic achievement

• Persistent and heavy use by adolescents reduces IQ by 6-8 points

Source: Meier, MH, et al (2012); MacLeod, J, et al (2004).

Mental Illness

• Marijuana use poses a significantly increased risk of triggering mental illness

A stoned workforce for Oregon?

• Marijuana use is linked to low productivity and job performance

Source: NIDA (2011); Fergusson, DM, and Boden, JM (2008)

And Retail Pot Shops in Our Community

Marijuana Legalization in Oregon:

A Step Too Far