Oregon Campaign to Legalize Cannabis Cafes Clears Legal Hurdle, Set to Launch Signature Drive Next Month

The legal challenge window for the Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition’s (OCCC) initiative that would legalize cannabis cafes has ended as of August 7, meaning the draft ballot title and summary issued by the state attorney general’s office in July is now locked in. With the legal challenge deadline behind them, organizers plan to begin collecting signatures in September to qualify the measure for the November 2026 ballot. They’ll need to gather just over 117,000 valid signatures from Oregon voters. The proposed initiative, called the Oregon Cannabis Social Lounge Act, would allow for state-licensed “lounges” where adults 21 and older could publicly consume cannabis products.  Alcohol and tobacco use would be prohibited inside the lounges, though operators could offer non-cannabis food and drinks if certified by the local health department. Hemp-derived CBD products could also be sold.

Under the proposed initiative, the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission would oversee licensing, while local governments would be allowed to impose further restrictions or permitting requirements.

Below is the official ballot title and summary for the proposal:

BALLOT TITLE

Allows “lounges” open to public for consumption of cannabis products; requires licensing process, government outreach

Result of “Yes” Vote: “Yes” vote allows “microbusiness” operated “lounges” open to public (21 or older) for consumption of cannabis products; creates licensing process; local oversight; mandates government outreach.

Result of “No” Vote: “No” vote retains current law prohibiting public consumption of cannabis products.

Summary: Currently, federal/state law prohibits the public consumption of cannabis products. Measure amends state law, requires Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) to establish/issue licenses to qualified applicants for operation of “social lounges” where adults may consume certain cannabis products in public. Only “microbusinesses” (undefined) eligible for license; cannabis retail dispensaries may not operate under license and legal entity name. Adults must bring own cannabis for consumption, no on-premises cannabis sales allowed. Operator may sell non-cannabis food/beverages if certified by local health department; may sell products containing hemp-derived CBD. Alcohol/tobacco products/consumption prohibited on premises. Local governments may issue permits, impose additional limitations/restrictions. Requires OLCC/public health authorities provide “educational materials and outreach programs” regarding purpose and rules governing lounges.