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Oregon Sees Huge Increase in Marijuana Business Applications

Ganja Oregon

In 2016, the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) received 1,907 applications for recreational marijuana business licenses. It was expecting somewhere between 800 and 1,200 applications. At the end of last week, OLCC reported to have approved 762 of those applications.

Now, in Oregon, there are 260 licensed retailers (different from other businesses such as cultivators and edibles manufacturers), according to Portland Business Journals. It is harder for processors to obtain licensing due to the strict labeling and testing requirements set by the state. There are now 51 approved processors throughout the state.

OLCC Executive Director Steve Marks said, “Our staff has worked nonstop and with determination to get this industry licensed. Working after hours, working weekends, traveling long distances, this team has been flexible in getting this industry licensed, without compromising the trust placed in us to protect the public.”

From January 1, 2016 through November 30, the state collected $54.5-million in tax revenue from legally operating marijuana businesses. The influx in recreational shops is, however, affecting the medical marijuana dispensaries as some have closed their doors.

The number of medical marijuana only dispensaries has declined to 307 as 121 have surrendered registrations or withdrawn retail applications. Medical marijuana dispensaries were permitted to sell recreational marijuana until December 31, 2016. Dispensaries had to apply for a recreational sales license if they wished to continue. Senate Republican Leader Ted Ferrioli believes that the medical marijuana dispensary tally may go as low as 30 as the demand for recreational increases, and makes marijuana more accessible.

The industry is opening up thousands of new jobs too. OLCC reports approving 9,041 of 10,700 received applications for Marijuana Worker Permits too.