Signature Gathering Now Underway for Oregon Campaign to Legalize Cannabis Cafes

The Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition is now working to qualify Initiative Petition 40 for the November 2026 ballot, a measure that would legalize “lounges” where adults 21 and older could consume marijuana products in a public setting. The certified ballot title, recently approved by the Attorney General, describes the initiative as allowing “microbusiness”-operated lounges that would require licensing, local oversight, and government outreach programs.

Adults would be required to bring their own cannabis to consume on site, as retail sales would not be allowed within the cafes. However, operators could sell non-cannabis food and drinks if cleared by local health authorities, as well as hemp-derived CBD products. Alcohol and tobacco use would remain prohibited.

The measure would direct the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) to create and issue licenses for qualified operators. Local governments could add restrictions or require permits, and state agencies would be tasked with producing public health education and outreach about the rules governing these establishments.

The effort is led by chief petitioner Justyce Seith of Portland, representing the Oregon Cannabis Cafe Coalition. Supporters say the initiative would give adults safe, regulated spaces to consume marijuana socially—something not currently allowed under state law, which still prohibits public consumption.

To qualify for the 2026 ballot, organizers must collect just over 117,000 valid signatures from registered Oregon voters by May 2026.