Marijuana businesses push back against Oct. 1 changes

PORTLAND – A marijuana industry group is asking Oregon lawmakers to delay Oct. 1 deadlines for the state’s new marijuana regulations by at least 30 days.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that the Oregon Cannabis Association last week asked the joint committee that oversees marijuana rules for extra time to meet regulations about how cannabis is tested, packaged and labeled.

Oregon Cannabis Association attorney Amy Margolis says many businesses simply aren’t ready to comply and can’t afford to shut down while they get everything in order.

Lawmakers on the committee seemed receptive to the extension, with Sen. Floyd Prozanski, D-Eugene, suggesting a 90-day extension.

Lab owners who have spent tens of thousands of dollars in preparation for Oct. 1 are pushing back against delaying the new testing rule.