With the recent wave of recreational marijuana legalization, it appears that cannabis consumers are not fully informed on the legalities of where they can smoke their newly legalized weed.
Mt. Bachelor, Oregon has recently had to post signs stating “MARIJUANA: It is ILLEGAL to smoke in public. You are in public now.”
Guests on the mountain thought that because marijuana had been legalized for recreational use that it meant they could smoke wherever and whenever they please, which is not the case. Smoking marijuana is still illegal in public, especially on federal land, much like Mt. Bachelor’s facilities are on.
So while legal in the state of Oregon, consuming or carrying marijuana on federal lands within Oregon is still a criminal offense. The same applies to any state with legal recreational marijuana. Possession on federal lands, including national parks, is a federal offense which is punishable by up to a $5,000 fine and 6 months in prison. Keep in mind it is also illegal to carry marijuana across state borders, regardless of legal status in either state.
So while it may seem like a good idea to bring your cannabis hiking or on a road trip, it’s safest just to leave it at home.
