PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — U.S. Attorney for Oregon Amanda Marshall says the proliferation of dispensary-style medical marijuana operations in Oregon concerns her, but she’s unwilling to devote much time or money to prosecuting a criminal activity that’s low on her list of priorities.
Marshall says the number of dispensaries in Oregon has been growing. Her office estimates the state hosts at least 100.
Marshall says the problem is that Oregon’s medical marijuana law was passed without any enforcement power or extra money for local agencies to crack down on the worst actors.
Medical marijuana took center stage in Oregon politics when it emerged as a flashpoint in the Democratic primary for state attorney general.
The state’s law, passed in 1998, allows patients to possess 24 ounces of marijuana.