SALEM, Ore. (AP) - The state Senate voted Wednesday to impose stricter regulations on Oregon's medical marijuana program as lawmakers get ready for the legalization of pot for recreational use.
Senators overwhelmingly supported the measure 29-1, but now it goes the House, where it's viewed with much more skepticism from key lawmakers who staunchly oppose a provision allowing cities and counties to ban marijuana stores in their boundaries.
Supporters of the bill say Oregon's minimally regulated medical marijuana program produces far too much of the drug, and much of the excess ends up on the black market. They say reining it in is crucial to creating a market for retail marijuana.
