A proposed initiative in Oregon would legalize cannabis cafes, allowing licensed venues to serve food and drinks while permitting on-site marijuana consumption.
Backed by the Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition, the initiative would amend existing state law to introduce regulated smoking lounges and, eventually, cafes offering infused edibles.
“The Cannabis Cafe Coalition is dedicated to making amendments to bill 475C.097 (Cannabis Retail Sales & Licensing)”, states the group on their website. “The goal is to create a bill that will allow regulated smoking lounges and eventually infused edible cafes in the city of Portland.”
The group says “We are striving for a safe and educational environment for individuals to learn about and consume cannabis, while stimulating Portland’s economy and putting this city back on the map. ”
They continue: But it takes a TEAM & a COMMUNITY to help support us by signing our initiative, spreading the word, making donations/volunteering, and helping gather attention to this movement, to get the OLCC and state of Oregon on board with creating such licensing.
Oregon legalized marijuana in 2014, with the first licensed store opening the following year. According to the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), the state recorded $76 million in legal marijuana sales in January alone, bringing total sales past $7.2 billion.
Currently, public marijuana consumption is prohibited, restricting use to private residences.
In order for the initiative to be placed to a vote in 2026, proponents will need to secure a ballot title (requiring 1,000 signatures) and then collect around 120,000 signatures from registered Oregon voters.
