Most Oregon residents know that Oregon has more lenient drug possession laws than other areas of the country. In fact, Oregon was the first state in the U.S. to decriminalize marijuana possession. These facts may confuse some people and lead them to believe that it is alright to carry marijuana anywhere in Oregon. However, the truth is that people can still face serious consequences -- including low-level drug charges -- for possessing marijuana.
In Oregon, people who possess less than once ounce of marijuana can get a non-criminal sanction. In these cases, people cannot be charged with more than a $1,000 fine. However, penalties for marijuana possession increase for people depending on their location. If people are within 1,000 feet of a school that mostly children attend, the penalties for marijuana possession increase. Those caught with marijuana in a school zone can end up in jail.
If people give another person marijuana in a school zone the penalties will include misdemeanor or felony charges -- whether a person is charged with a misdemeanor or a felony depends on the amount of drugs found by police.
While some Oregon police departments have placed signs in school zones to warn people that increased drug rules are in effect, this is not always the case. Furthermore, these penalties will still apply whether or not people know about the school, or whether or not they can even see the school from the streets.
People need to be aware of whether or not they are in a school zone when they are caught with marijuana. In some cases, the amount of drugs found and the specific location can make all the difference in an Oregon case.
Source: The Register-Guard, "Eugene erects drug warning signs," Jack Moran, Aug. 14, 2013
