Cannabis Businesses: Education, Tools, and Rules

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Find city, state, and federal rules and regulations for cannabis businesses. Get resources and guidelines.
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Rules, Guidelines, and Policies 

PCC 14B.130: Portland's Marijuana Policy Program is guided by PCC 14B.130, and changes can ONLY be made in a vote from Portland City Council; our program cannot change this on our own. Read more about PCC 14B.130 here.

Cannabis Frequently Asked Questions: answers questions about cannabis possession, consumption, and more. Read the Cannabis FAQ. 

Building Permits: Cannabis production and processing facilities typically need several building permits to legally operate. Applicants should consult with design professionals as part of their planning process. In most circumstances, plans must be stamped by an architect or licensed engineer to comply with state building code requirements.

  • Commercial Permitting: For more information on commercial permitting, please visit Portland Permitting & Development (PP&D) Commercial Permits and Inspections.
  • Cannabis Industry Guide: This documentis designed to help you successfully navigate City requirements. Read the Cannabis Industry Guide.
  • Depending on the type of facility (e.g. dispensary, grow operation, extraction), the following code sections may contain requirements that apply to your project:
    • 2022 Oregon Fire Code, including but not limited to: Ch. 39, Processing and Extraction Facilities; Ch. 50, Hazardous Materials; Ch. 53, Compressed Gases 5307 (5307.4 Carbon dioxide enrichment systems); Ch. 57, Flammable and Combustible Liquids; Ch. 61, Liquefied Petroleum Gases.
    • 2022 Oregon Structural Specialty Code, including but not limited to: Ch. 3, Occupancy Classification and Use; Ch. 4 Special Detailed Requirements Based on Occupancy and Use (438 Processing and Extraction Facilities).
    • 2022 Oregon Mechanical Specialty Code, including but not limited to: Ch. 4, Ventilation; Ch. 5, Exhaust Systems
    • 2017 NFPA 70, National Electrical Code: Article 500 Hazardous (Classified) Locations.
    • You may also design to the standards of NFPA 70 Article 512 as of October 1, 2023.

Administrative Guidelines: Offers guidelines on application procedures and processes. Read the Cannabis Program Administrative Guidelines.

Cannabis Policy Oversight Team (CPOT): Portland's cannabis advisory body holds monthly public meetings to discuss and develop policies that support equitable access and outcomes for the cannabis industry, cannabis consumers, and all Portlanders. Learn about the Cannabis Policy Oversight Team (CPOT).

Public Records Request: This link will guide you on how to request public records

Marihuana Recreacional: Video informativo sobre las leyes en cuanto marihuana recreacional en Oregon. Video.

Environmental Requirements for Portland Cannabis Businesses: Read the Bureau of Environmental Services' guide for Portland cannabis businesses regarding environmental requirements for sewer, stormwater, and other issues. Read the Guide to Environmental Requirements for the Cannabis Industry. 

File a Complaint: You can file a cannabis-related concern or complaint here.

State and Federal Cannabis Rules and Guidelines 

Measure 91 is the Oregon ballot measure that legalized and regulated cannabis in Oregon. Read Measure 91.

Oregon Cannabis Frequently Asked Questions: This FAQ offers state-level answers from the Oregon Liquor Control Commission to questions about cannabis possession, consumption, and more. Read Oregon's Cannabis Frequently Asked Questions.

Oregon Rules on Cannabis Labeling, Concentration Limits, and Testing: Rules from the Oregon Health Authority, including edibles packaging rules. Read Oregon Admin Rules on Cannabis Labeling Testing and Concentration Limits.

The Cole Memo: Written by U.S. Deputy Attorney General James Cole in 2013, the Cole Memo offers guidelines on Federal cannabis enforcement and is used by many states (including Oregon) when developing state-level cannabis regulation. Read the Federal cannabis guidelines, The Cole Memo.

File a Complaint: You can file a cannabis-related concern or complaint here.

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