Senate Bill 558, introduced by State Senator Floyd Prozanski (D) in January, is scheduled for a public hearing today in the Oregon Senate Judiciary Committee.
(Photo credit: John Rosman/OPB).
The bill would expand how marijuana businesses can distribute samples, allowing them to provide products at temporary events and to their workers—giving businesses more flexibility in marketing and employee access to marijuana items.
If passed, the bill would permit licensed marijuana producers, processors, wholesalers, and retailers to share samples with other licensees at trade shows and similar gatherings registered with the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC). Marijuana wholesalers would also be allowed to sell products directly to retailers at these events, a move that could streamline business transactions. Additionally, the legislation would let producers distribute marijuana seeds and immature plants to licensed workers, while producers, wholesalers, and processors could provide limited samples of usable marijuana, concentrates, extracts, and packaged cannabinoid products to their employees.
The OLCC would oversee the program, implementing rules to regulate and track the distribution of samples while ensuring compliance with state law. Supporters argue the measure would give businesses a way to showcase products to industry professionals while also allowing workers to familiarize themselves with the items they handle. Critics may raise concerns about potential regulatory challenges and how samples are tracked.
If enacted, the bill would take effect 91 days after the adjournment of the 2025 legislative session.
