The Oregon Liquor Control Commission granted recreational marijuana licenses to eight growers, the first licenses granted under the state's recreational cannabis program. John Rosman / OPB

Oregon is one step closer to fully implementing its recreational marijuana industry by January 2017. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission approved its first recreational marijuana licenses Friday, approving eight growers under the new regulatory system. The agency was tasked with overseeing Oregon's recreational cannabis industry.

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"These licensees reflect the pioneering spirit Oregon is known for,” said Rob Patridge, OLCC Chair in a release Friday. “They come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences and possess the entrepreneurial spirit of this industry."



Oregon Continues To Rake In Marijuana Tax Revenue The eight licenses were issued to growers in Lane, Tillamook, Washington, Clackamas, Jackson and Josephine counties and include a mix of large and medium scale indoor, mixed and outdoor cultivation growers, the agency said. The licensed growers can begin operating under the OLCC's authority once they pay their annual licensing fee.

The agency plans to meet every week through early June to approve additional licenses.

Earlier this year OLCC spokesperson Mark Pettinger told OPB that it was the agency's goal to approve growers first in order to establish a supply chain before approving dispensaries. He said the agency expects to begin issuing licenses to dispensaries in October.

As of Friday, the agency has received more than 900 recreational marijuana license applications. It says it expects to issue more than 850 by the end of this year when it assumes full control of the regulation of Oregon's recreational marijuana industry.

For now, dispensaries licensed under the Oregon Heath Authority's medical marijuana program can conduct recreational sales to persons 21 and older. That provision expires at the end of the year.

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