The United States of America is a big area, which means different governance and laws per state.
One of the hottest topics there had ever been the talk about cannabis use.
For some, it might still be considered taboo to discuss this, whereas some people have accepted it with arms wide open.
This article will particularly talk about the rules revolving around this topic, specifically in the city of Portland, Oregon, which houses approximately 645,000 people.
Is cannabis legal in this part of the world, you might ask. The answer to that is yes. Read on to learn more about this topic.
CBD is legal in this Portland. While people can use it for both medical and recreational use, people still need to display a proper demeanor. Another condition to be met is the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main activator of feeling “high”; provided that it is kept at 3% or less, then CBD use is fine.
The agriculture industry had been booming since the legalization of hemp farming under the Farm Bill of 2018. Even though technically legalized, several federal agencies continue to monitor and regularize how this product is used.
CBD products are hemp-based, meaning it is not the same as marijuana. Many people still get confused with the two; To give you a general idea, here it is: hemp is low in its THC content, which makes it a natural analgesic and a good alternative for pharmaceutical medicine, whereas marijuana is high in its THC content, which makes the user have that “high” feeling.
Portland leaders remind the public of certain things that they cannot do as far as using CBD recreationally. Some of those are:
Oregonians are also reminded always to research the laws encompassing the use of cannabis.
Marijuana can be used medicinally or recreationally in Portland, although there are certain limitations that you should be aware of.
Being caught having possession over one to two ounces of this substance equates to a fine of $650. Having two to four ounces of the substance or having four to eight plants will be treated as a misdemeanor.
So what is the allowable possession of marijuana? For recreational use, you may refer to the list below:
If you are undergoing treatments that necessitate the use of marijuana, you would need to secure a medical certificate online and have it mailed. OMMP might also ask for supporting documents from you, such as:
A medical card is currently at $200 with one-year validity.
Once the medical card is secured, you may purchase 24 ounces of the substance or cultivate up to 6 plants and 18 seedlings.
The average cost of marijuana in Portland ranges from $7.5/gram to $13/gram.
Delta-8 THC is a strain that is less famous than the previous two. It is hemp-based, but it is not directly extracted from it. Delta-8 is a controversial strain as some law regulators are pointing out that it does not contain the allowed THC content in CBD products; usually, it is higher.
Users claim Delta-8 to be hemp-based with alterations. Since it is more on the THC side, it also gives the “high” sensation. Laws governing the usage of Delta-8 THC vary from state to state. In this area, it is legal.
Most people know that the active ingredient of marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), responsible for the “high” feeling. Little do we know, though, that there are multiple types of THC.
The most common ones are Delta-9 and Delta-8. The former makes up 99% of THC in some hemp plants and marijuana; the latter makes up the remaining 1%.
Both strains are psychoactive, but they differ in terms of the effect.
Delta-9 is more on the stimulating side, whereas Delta-8 is more on the relaxing side. Which is best is a matter of people’s preference. Some people find Delta-9 helpful in solving complex challenges; some people find relief from their depression or anxiety with Delta-8.
Here are the top five dispensaries of cannabis in Portland, Oregon:
For cultivation concerns, you may also reach out to the Oregon Department of Agriculture at 503-986-4550 or send them an email at [email protected].
These two are often looked at as the same, but they are entirely two different things. CBD oils are made up of CBD and oil that serves as a carrier; on the other hand, tinctures are alcohol-based, meaning that it is already formulated to achieve specific results. Regardless these two are usually used for relaxation.
In a nutshell, CBD oils are cost-efficient, available using organic products and have a longer life span. The way it works is cannabinoids are dissolved along with CBD with either hemp seed oil or MCT that act as a carrier oil.
If you are familiar with an e-cigarette, the mechanism of CBD vape pens works the same way. They offer convenience since they are formed like pens that you can easily slide in your pocket. It uses CBD juice and can either be refillable or disposable.
Apart from it offering instant gratification, the CBD vape pen is fairly convenient and cost-efficient. It fits in your pocket quite easily, which means that you can use it on the go.
CBD gummies are a fun way of ingesting CBD. These are the edible go-to of people who want to treat their anxiety. Some people also view them as an alternative to pharmaceutical analgesics. Unlike the previous two, CBD gummies can be extracted from marijuana.
There are a lot of other interesting cannabinoids produced in both hemp and marijuana than just CBD. There are nearly 100 other cannabinoids, each with its own unique set of effects.
Here are some of the most popular alternate cannabinoids worth exploring:
CBC (cannabichromene) is the third most abundant cannabinoid. Cannabis first makes CBG, which is then converted into either CBD, THC, or CBC.
CBC has shown promise towards supporting nausea and low appetite due to chemotherapy and has a potent anti-inflammatory profile.
CBG (cannabigerol) is considered the “cannabinoid stem cell” because it’s the precursor for CBD, THC, and CBC.
Plants harvested early have a higher CBG content, which is used for its analgesic, appetite-stimulant, and anxiolytic effects.
CBN (cannabinol) is formed as THC breaks down naturally. It’s thought to be a sedative cannabinoid, though some researchers dispute this. It’s most abundant in cannabis that’s been harvested late.
Delta 10 THC is another isomer of THC. It has the same chemical formula as delta 8 and delta 9 THC, but the double bond is located in the 10th carbon, rather than the eighth or ninth, respectively.
This form of THC is the most stimulating. It’s popular among students and busy professionals looking for a mild psychoactive high with a stronger focus on mental energy and concentration.
THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin) is a mildly psychoactive cannabinoid found in certain African cannabis strains. It’s about 25% as psychoactive as THC, but with a greater emphasis on the cognitive-enhancing effects. It’s used to stimulate creativity, ease anxiety, and improve focus and concentration.
There are many CBD shops and manufacturers in the market since the legalization of CBD and hemp products. Some manufacturers work with a lack of ethics in terms of producing these on the downside.
You might even find yourself stumbling across CBD products that are not effective, expensive, or even both. Here are the things that you can do to make sure that you have a good run on your money:
Third-party testing is considered an essential step when vetting a particular CBD company. Independent labs will test samples of a manufacturer’s products to check the CBD content, other cannabinoid and terpene ratios, and check for contaminants.
If there is no third-party test, it’s wise to look elsewhere until you find a brand that offers these important reports.
The total cost of cannabis products says little about their value. Look past the price tag and find the cost per mg of the active ingredient.
The best value for CBD products is around 8 to 12 cents per milligram.
For delta 8 THC, the best value is between 10 and 15 cents per milligram.
Check what past customers are saying before you buy. There are plenty of online reviews and past customer testimonials for various cannabis companies. This is one of the best ways to decide whether the products you intend to buy are worth the money or not.
All cannabis products are legal for both medical and recreational use in Portland.
The entire state of Oregon has some of the most relaxed cannabis laws in the country, and they were one of the first states to legalize marijuana. They’re also one of the only places in the US that have decriminalized other medicinal and psychoactive plants — including magic mushrooms.
While there are plenty of dispensaries in Portland, the best and most cost-effective source of CBD, delta 8 THC, or marijuana is online.