Jackson Lewis: Alaska, Oregon and District of Columbia Legalize Recreational Marijuana | Practical Law
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This Law Firm Publication by Jackson Lewis, P.C. addresses the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Alaska, Oregon and the District of Columbia. The Alaska and Oregon laws allow recreational use of marijuana and create a network of retail marijuana stores. The Alaska law takes effect 90 days after the election is certified. Regulations will be implemented within the following nine months. The Oregon law takes effect on July 1, 2015, with stores opening in 2016. These two states join Colorado and Washington in legalizing recreational marijuana use. The District of Columbia law will permit individuals over age 21 to possess two ounces of marijuana and grow six marijuana plants at home. Since it is a district rather than a state, the District of Columbia's law is subject to presidential and congressional approval. Its ultimate approval remains unclear since federal law prohibits marijuana use and possession. The new laws do not require an employer to accommodate the use or influence of marijuana in the workplace. In addition, the Oregon law permits federal contractors and grantees to prohibit marijuana use and possession to satisfy federal contract or grant requirements.