On March 16th, 2016, Jackson County adopted an ordinance governing the production (growing), processing, wholesaling (for recreational marijuana), and retailing/dispensing of both recreational and medical marijuana. The relevant amendments to the Jackson County Land Development Ordinance (LDO) can be found here: (https://jacksoncountyor.org/Whats-New/News/ArtMID/4653/ArticleID/245207/Marijuana-Use-Regulations). Currently, the County’s ordinance has been appealed to Oregon’s Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA), with a decision from LUBA expected on August 22, 2016. That being said, the County continues to implement the ordinance with the current amendments.
The standards and criteria regarding marijuana uses do not apply to homegrown recreational marijuana or personal medical marijuana (equivalent to growing for one cardholder), as allowed by State laws. Generally, this equates to up to four recreational marijuana plants and up to six medical marijuana plants per property. All production exceeding these limits requires a Land Use Authorization.
Jackson County, as well as many other State and local agencies, have a part in regulating the marijuana industry. For your convenience, some of those agencies are listed below with a brief summary of what they regulate.
Jackson County Code Enforcement
Code Enforcement assures compliance with the County’s land use, environmental, and construction codes. Code Enforcement is initiated by a complaint about unauthorized land use or construction. The County strives for voluntary compliance. The Jackson County Code Enforcement program does not enforce OLCC or OHA regulations.
Website: https://jacksoncountyor.org/ds/Code-Enforcement/Home
Information Request: https://jacksoncountyor.org/ds/Contact/Code-Enforcement/Code-Enforcement-Information-Request
Phone: 541-774-6906
Jackson County Planning Division
The Planning Division applies the Land Development Ordinance (LDO) in the review of specific land-use proposals. Review by the Planning Division is the first step in any land development or construction project. The County’s LDO regulates various aspects of marijuana production (growing), processing, wholesaling, and retailing/dispensing.
Website: https://jacksoncountyor.org/ds/Planning/Home
Information Request: https://jacksoncountyor.org/ds/Contact/Planning/Planning-Information-Request
Phone: 541-774-6907
Marijuana Frequently Asked Questions: (download document below)
Jackson County Watermaster
The District 13 Watermaster's Office is a field office of the Oregon Water Resources Department, (OWRD) in cooperation with Jackson County and is responsible for water supply management in Jackson County. This includes managing Jackson County’s surface and ground water resources, helping to protect water quantity and quality, and to enhance the quality of life for Jackson County’s citizens, agricultural community, businesses, and industry. For questions related to water use in conjunction with marijuana activities, contact the Jackson County Watermaster’s Office.
Website: https://jacksoncountyor.org/Departments/Watermaster/Home
Phone: (541) 774-6880
Oregon Liquor Control Commission
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) regulates the licensing of recreational marijuana, including production (growing), processing, wholesaling, and retailing. The Jackson County Code Enforcement program does not enforce OLCC regulations.
Website: http://www.oregon.gov/olcc/marijuana/
Phone (General Information): 503-872-5000
Phone (Medford Regional Office): 541-776-6191
Email: marijuana@oregon.gov
Oregon Health Authority
The Oregon Health Authority (OHA) regulates and administers the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP), including registering grow sites, processing sites, and dispensaries. The Jackson County Code Enforcement program does not enforce OHA regulations.
Website: http://public.health.oregon.gov/DiseasesConditions/ChronicDisease/MedicalMarijuanaProgram/
Phone (OMMP): 971-673-1234