Oregon Clears the Way for Easier Access to Medical Marijuana

Dispensaries will finally be allowed

Oregon is on track to become the 15th state to license and regulate medical marijuana dispensaries.

Gov. John Kitzhaber's office confirmed Wednesday that, despite opposition, the governor is expected to sign House Bill 3460 into law.

Under the bill, the Oregon Health Authority would set up a registration system of medical marijuana dispensaries by 2014. The dispensaries will be authorized to deliver the drug and immature marijuana plants to patients.

State law currently allows patients with certain debilitating medical conditions to grow their own marijuana or designate someone else to do it, but there are no provisions to allow places for patients to legally purchase marijuana.