What is the primary purpose of Measure 91?

The primary purpose of Measure 91 is to legalize recreational marijuana in Oregon. This measure was approved by voters in November 2014 and marked a significant shift in cannabis policy, enabling adults 21 and older to possess and use marijuana for recreational purposes. In addition to legalizing the possession and use of marijuana, Measure 91 set forth a framework for the regulation of cannabis cultivation and retail sales, thus providing structure to an industry that had previously operated in a legal gray area.

While the measure also included provisions for taxation and aimed at reducing crime associated with marijuana prohibition, those elements were secondary to its main objective of legalization. The law explicitly outlines the legal amount of marijuana one can possess and details how cultivation and sales are to be managed. Therefore, the focus on legalization is what primarily distinguishes Measure 91 from any other regulatory or tax-related measures.