Marijuana sales raise revenue for Oregon, still prohibited on campus
April 20, 2017
The legalization of recreational marijuana possession, use and sale has recently been gaining a lot of momentum around the country.
Oregon has seen well beyond $54,000,000 in tax revenue since the passing of Measure 91, legalizing recreational marijuana use in Oregon as of July 1, 2015. In June 2015, medical marijuana dispensaries all around the state began to open their doors to recreational users with the new laws in place.
The legalization of recreational marijuana in Oregon has had an overwhelmingly large impact, and for those unfamiliar with the law, it allows for persons 21 years of age or older to purchase, possess and use recreational marijuana (within limitations). These persons must not be on public property, and must remain within the state. More specific information on these guidelines will be addressed below.
Initiatives in states around the country have been made to legalize the recreational use, but (so far) we have only seen recreational use being legalized in Alaska, California, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia.
The well-over $54,000,000 in tax revenue has been/will be used in the following ways in Oregon:
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40 percent to Common School Fund
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20 percent to Mental Health Alcoholism and Drug Services
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15 percent to Oregon State Police
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10 percent to cities for enforcement of the measure
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10 percent to counties for enforcement of the measure
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5 percent to Oregon Health Authority for alcohol and drug abuse prevention
To put that in perspective, 40% of $54,000,000 would come out to approximately $21,600,000 that could be put toward the Common School Fund.
While recreational use of the drug has been legalized, it is still not endorsed on Oregon State University’s campus; given the university receives federal funding. Steve Clark, vice president of university relations and marketing states:
“Oregon State University policy prohibits students, employees and members of the general public from possessing, using or selling marijuana in any form on any of the university’s campuses or facilities and during any university activities.”
Clark additionally provided a link containing beneficial information for students regarding OSU’s policies on marijuana use. For those that may be looking for more information on these policies, they may check the link below.
Students who choose to partake in such activities are asked to do so responsibly and safely.
Resources:
· Oregon State University’s Marijuana Policies
Disclaimer: The statistics regarding Oregon’s tax revenue on recreational marijuana sales comes from the Oregon Department of Revenue Research Section. Oregon Marijuana Tax Statistical Report: January-March 2016. Salem, OR. 2016
