Oregon Bill Would Cap Individual Edibles at 10mg THC

Oregon legislators are weighing a bill that would ban the sale of individual marijuana edibles containing more than 10 milligrams of THC, a move that's drawing sharp criticism from industry advocates who say education—not prohibition—is the answer.

The proposal would effectively eliminate higher-potency single-serving edibles from dispensary shelves, forcing consumers who want more than 10mg to purchase multi-serving packages. Current Oregon law allows individual edibles with up to 50mg of THC for recreational use and 100mg for medical patients.

"I'm asking that this bill be tabled so that we can actually come back for a solution towards education that prioritizes what cannabis products are, how to responsibly consume them and how to responsibly store them," said one stakeholder during legislative testimony, according to the Oregon Capital Chronicle.

The Current Rules

Oregon's existing regulations already impose some of the strictest edibles packaging requirements in the nation. Recreational edibles are capped at 50mg THC per package for non-medical consumers, with clear labeling requirements and child-resistant packaging mandates. Medical marijuana patients can access products with higher concentrations through the state's medical program.

But lawmakers backing the new restrictions argue that 10mg—considered a standard "dose" by many industry guidelines—should be the maximum for any single edible product. The proposal comes as several states grapple with questions about edibles potency and accidental consumption, particularly among children.

Industry Pushback

The bill faces opposition from cannabis businesses and patient advocates who say it would limit consumer choice and force experienced users to purchase multiple lower-dose products. For medical patients managing chronic pain or other conditions, a 10mg cap could mean significantly higher costs and less convenient dosing options.

Oregon's legal cannabis market generated over $1.2 billion in sales in 2023, with edibles representing roughly 10-12% of total transactions. Industry analysts say potency restrictions could push some consumers toward the illicit market, where products aren't tested or regulated.

The debate mirrors similar discussions in other mature cannabis markets. Colorado, which legalized recreational marijuana in 2012, maintains a 10mg limit for individual servings but allows multi-serving packages. Washington state has similar rules, though enforcement and compliance vary.

What Happens Next

The bill is still in committee, and its future remains uncertain. Legislative sessions in Oregon typically run through June, giving lawmakers several months to debate amendments or alternatives.

Some industry observers expect a compromise that focuses on enhanced labeling, consumer education campaigns, and stricter child-resistant packaging rather than outright potency bans. Oregon's cannabis regulatory agency has previously prioritized education initiatives, including point-of-sale materials and public awareness campaigns about responsible consumption.

The outcome could influence policy discussions in other states watching Oregon's regulatory evolution. As one of the earliest states to legalize recreational cannabis, Oregon's approach to edibles regulation often serves as a testing ground for policies that other jurisdictions later adopt or reject.

For now, the debate highlights the ongoing tension between consumer freedom and public safety concerns in the maturing cannabis industry—a balance that regulators nationwide continue trying to strike.

This article is based on original reporting by www.marijuanamoment.net.