Senator Thacher advocates for landlord consent in Oregon psilocybin and marijuana licensing

In a pivotal meeting of the Oregon Senate Committee on Labor and Business, lawmakers gathered to discuss a proposed measure aimed at tightening regulations surrounding the licensing of psilocybin and marijuana production. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as Senator Kim Thacher introduced the bill, which seeks to ensure that property owners are fully informed and consenting when their premises are used for these activities.

Senator Thacher emphasized the frustrations voiced by landlords who have found themselves unwittingly implicated in their tenants' operations. "This is needed to make sure that the landlord knows a license is being sought by their tenant," she stated, highlighting the potential legal and financial risks property owners face under current regulations. The proposed measure mandates that applicants for licenses must provide verified information about property ownership and obtain explicit consent from landlords, particularly when the premises are not owned by the applicant.

The bill, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, aims to close loopholes that have allowed tenants to claim permission to grow marijuana or psilocybin without proper verification. Thacher pointed out that the existing system has led to a gray area, contributing to a thriving black market for marijuana in Oregon. By requiring notarized consent from landlords, the legislation seeks to protect property owners from potential federal repercussions, including civil forfeiture, should their properties be used for illegal activities.

However, the proposal faced opposition from Anthony Taylor, legislative director for Compassionate Oregon, who argued that the current verification processes are already sufficient. He cautioned that the additional requirements could impose unnecessary burdens on regulatory agencies, which already oversee thousands of licensed growers and processors.

The meeting also featured testimony from property owner James Crawford, who expressed deep concerns about the implications of marijuana cultivation on residential properties. He described a scenario where landlords are left vulnerable to legal liabilities and potential criminal charges, even when they are unaware of their tenants' activities. Crawford's passionate plea underscored the urgent need for reform, as he called for an end to what he termed a "criminal conspiracy" that exploits property owners.

As the committee deliberates on this significant legislation, the discussions reflect a broader struggle between the burgeoning cannabis industry and the rights of property owners in Oregon. The outcome of this bill could reshape the landscape of cannabis regulation in the state, ensuring that property owners are not left in the dark about how their properties are being used. The committee's decision will be closely watched, as it holds implications for both the future of cannabis cultivation and the protection of property rights in Oregon.