Senate Bill 907 mandates property owner consent for Oregon marijuana psilocybin licenses

In a recent meeting of the Oregon House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade, lawmakers discussed Senate Bill 907, which aims to enhance regulations surrounding psilocybin and marijuana licensing in the state. The bill mandates that applications for licenses to manufacture psilocybin, process medical marijuana, and operate marijuana grow sites must include the legal address and ownership details of the premises involved. This requirement is designed to ensure that the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) and the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) can verify the legitimacy of the applications.

Senator Kim Thatcher, who represents Senate District 11, emphasized the importance of connecting applicants with property owners to prevent unauthorized use of land for marijuana and psilocybin operations. The bill stipulates that if an applicant does not own the property, they must obtain notarized written consent from the property owner. This measure aims to combat issues where property owners have discovered unauthorized grows on their land, often without their knowledge, due to forged signatures on consent forms.

The proposed legislation also allows property owners to determine the duration of their consent, which can extend through multiple license renewals, reducing the need for repeated permissions. This approach seeks to streamline the licensing process while ensuring that property owners remain informed and involved.

In addition to these provisions, Senate Bill 907 includes requirements for annual license renewals, during which applicants must resubmit the property owner's consent if it has expired. The bill also maintains existing regulations regarding the qualifications of applicants, including age restrictions and checks for a history of substance abuse.

The committee noted that the bill has minimal fiscal impact and aims to create a more transparent and accountable framework for the growing psilocybin and marijuana industries in Oregon. The effective date for the bill is set for January 1, 2026, or 90 days after signing, depending on legislative proceedings.

Overall, Senate Bill 907 represents a significant step toward ensuring responsible practices in the burgeoning cannabis and psilocybin sectors, reinforcing the connection between land use and regulatory compliance while safeguarding the interests of property owners.