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Dispatches from public radio's correspondent at the Oregon Legislature. This is a venue for political and policy coverage of the state government in Salem and its impact on the people of Oregon.

Oregon Lawmakers Could Make Changes To Pot Measure

Austin Jenkins
/
Northwest News Network
A new law to legalize recreational marijuana in Oregon takes effect next year.

A new law to legalize recreational marijuana in Oregon doesn't begin to take effect until next year. That means state lawmakers have the chance to tweak the measure before it kicks in.

Measure 91 allows adults in Oregon to grow, possess, and sell marijuana under state regulation. Just what that state regulation looks like is still being determined.

A legislative panel discussed some options Wednesday at the state capitol.

Democratic Senator Lee Beyer reminded his colleagues that there's nothing to stop them from putting their own stamp on the voter-approved measure.

"Keep in mind this is a statute and statutes can be changed,” he said.

Beyer wants to make it harder for pot producers to market marijuana-infused food products to kids. Lawmakers could also take up a request from cities to allow them to tax recreational pot. The measure allows the state to tax it, but cities want that right as well.