Congratulations, Oregon! Third U.S. State to Allow Recreational Marijuana Sales

Oregon residents 21 years of age and older can buy up to a quarter-ounce (seven grams) of dried pot at roughly 200 existing medical-use marijuana dispensaries as a new law took effect today, Reuters reports: 

In Oregon, possessing and growing pot became legal in July. Through 2015, sales of pot for recreational use will be untaxed, though that will likely change next year.

But not all residents are pleased with the new law. Some 30 municipalities in Oregon have enacted bans to the sale of recreational pot, while others have sharply limited the industry. For instance, in Portland - the state's largest city - lawmakers have put limits on the number of recreational marijuana stores. There are also requirements that the stores be no closer than 1,000 feet (305 meters) from a school.

However, those opposed to the legalization of recreational marijuana might not be able to stop its progress. 

Sue Vorenberg, editor of the Cannabis Daily Record, claims: "You can get all the best strains from Oregon, which can make this into a top tourist spot."

Oregon's pot shops for the recreational market - like those operating in Washington state and Colorado - are expected to start in 2016. 

Alaska won't be far behind; the state's recreational law took effect in February, but regulations for stores are still in the works and recreational pot shops are expected to open in 2016.

According to the Seattle Times, Oregon allows people 21 and over to possess eight times as much (8 oz.) at home than in Washington state. Oregon residents can also grow up to four plants per household. 

The Oregonian put together a video series that teaches people how to grow their own marijuana. 

Oregon officials estimate they'll see $10.7 million in tax revenue by 2017 from marijuana sales. Tax revenue will be allocated to the following:

 • 40 percent to Common School Fund 

• 20 percent to Mental Health Alcoholism and Drug Services 

• 15 percent to State Police 

• 10 percent to Cities for enforcement of the measure 

• 10 percent to Counties for enforcement of the measure 

• 5 percent to Oregon Health Authority for alcohol and drug abuse prevention

For more about the ins and outs of Oregon's Recreational Marijuana Law (Measure 91), click here. 

If you live in Oregon and are looking for work in the marijuana industry, go to: www.oregonjobs.org.

What do you make of Oregon's new recreational marijuana law? Sound off below!