The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) is requesting public comment on proposed rules for a hemp product registry. Comments are sought on whether other options could achieve the rule's goals while reducing the negative economic impact on businesses.
A remote public hearing is scheduled for May 20, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Remote hearing details are as follows:
- MEETING URL: Click here to join the meeting
- PHONE NUMBER: 503-446-4951
- CONFERENCE ID: 596214568 Special instructions for the hearing can be found at https://www.oregon.gov/olcc/Pages/public_meetings.aspx. Auxiliary aids for persons with disabilities are available upon advance request by notifying the contact person.
The last day and time to submit written comments to the agency is May 30, 2025, at 12:00 PM. Comments should be directed to Nicole Blossé.
- PHONE: 971-420-4763
- EMAIL: OLCC.Rulemaking@olcc.oregon.gov
- ADDRESS: 9079 SE McLoughlin Boulevard, Portland, OR 97222
COMPLIANCE NOTE: Please be aware that the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) is proposing new rules (OAR 845-026-6000 to 845-026-6120) to establish a registry for hemp products containing cannabinoids that are intended for human or animal consumption or use.
These proposed rules are necessary because the Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 4121 in the 2024 session, which directed the OLCC to create this registry for hemp products sold to consumers in Oregon. The rules are anticipated to become effective on January 1, 2026.
The proposed rules will establish various requirements, including:
- Definitions necessary for the hemp product registry rules. These include definitions for terms like "artificially derived cannabinoid," "adulterated," "hemp item," "responsible party," and various product types like "hemp edible," "hemp concentrate or extract," "hemp tincture," and "hemp capsule".
- Labeling requirements by product type, covering general requirements, as well as specific rules for usable hemp, hemp edibles, hemp concentrates and extracts, hemp tinctures and capsules, other hemp cannabinoid products, and hemp items containing artificially derived cannabinoids. General requirements include displaying certain information on the label, prohibiting untruthful or misleading claims, small container labeling rules, and requiring a hemp symbol. Nutrition information is required for hemp edibles, using specified formats.
- Registration requirements, including the process, required application documents, review criteria, grounds for refusal, and annual renewal.
- A fee of $420 is required for both initial hemp item registration and annual renewal.
- Applications may be submitted electronically.
- Required application information includes the hemp item name and type, manufacturer and responsible party details, a certificate of analysis, a copy of the label, and whether it's an adult use cannabis item. Additional documentation is needed for inhalable products with non-cannabis additives and items with artificially derived cannabinoids.
- The Commission may refuse registration if the application or item does not comply with rules or HB 4121, contains untruthful information, the item is adulterated, exceeds concentration limits, or is otherwise prohibited.
- A single application fee can cover multiple variants (flavors, colors, cannabinoids, sizes) of the same item, but cannot combine adult use and non-adult use items.
- Annual renewal is required to maintain an active registration, due no later than 395 days after the previous approval date.
- Civil penalties for violations of the law and rules. Violations include failing to comply with provisions of HB 4121, Sections 11, 12, or 13, or these rules, or selling an adulterated hemp item.
- Each violation is separate, and each unit of sale in violation constitutes a separate violation.
- Civil penalties can be up to $10,000 per violation.
- Specific penalty caps vary depending on the type of violation, ranging from $500 up to $500,000 for violations creating a public health or safety threat or violations related to embargo/seizure orders. Higher penalties may be assessed for knowing violations or repeat offenders.
- Provisions for embargo, seizure, and disposal of hemp items that violate HB 4121, these rules, or are adulterated. The Commission may issue orders to prohibit distribution or use and may require destruction of items if violations are not cured.
On and after January 1, 2026, it will be prohibited to sell, transfer, or deliver a hemp item to a consumer or retailer in Oregon if it is not registered or labeled in accordance with these rules. Responsible parties must submit a registration application and receive OLCC approval prior to selling, offering for sale, transferring, or delivering a hemp item to a consumer or retailer in this state.
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