Recreational marijuana now legal in Oregon

Justin Corr,
ONTARIO, Ore. -- A number of new state laws go into effect today.
For Idahoans, that means an increased gas tax, teacher wages going up, and a new state amphibian.
For Oregonians, it means recreational marijuana is now legal.
It's a big change for people and police in Oregon.

You can now legally possess and smoke marijuana in Oregon.
There are still a number of limitations on pot, but it's already creating an influx of people moving to Oregon from out of state.
"It's still a little early to see the full magnitude, but our officers are coming across people every day who have simply moved to Ontario today for the legalization of marijuana," said Ontario Police Chief Mark Alexander.
However, Alexander is trying to remind everyone that legal doesn't mean without limitations.

You can have pot at home, but there's a limit of eight ounces and four plants per home.
You can carry marijuana, but there's a limit of one ounce and you cannot smoke in public.
"People oughtta (sic) educate themselves before they partake in that and be careful and don't violate laws," said Alexander.
Because there are a number of things you still cannot do.

You can't grow marijuana commercially until 2016, and you can't buy or sell it until likely the fall of 2016 when licenses will be handed out.
Someone can give you marijuana, though.
You must be over 21 to have or use it, and you cannot take it across state lines. Which is why Alexander is talking and will continue to talk with Idaho law enforcement right across the border.

"We are going to work with them and share information as well," said Alexander.
Just because it's legal in Oregon, doesn't mean it's legal at work, like at Saint Alphonsus Medical Center Ontario. They won't be doing random testing. But, like most other employers in the area, they don't tolerate drug use on the job.

"We do have a zero tolerance policy," said St. Al's spokesman Josh Schliach. "So if someone doesn't have a legitimate prescription for medical marijuana, or if they're outside of the range in their blood THC level for the medical marijuana, that falls under disciplinary action. That is including, and up to, termination."

Alexander stressed personal responsibility, and reminded everyone of another limitation, you can still get a DUII if you're behind the wheel while high.
There are still many gray areas as far as what's legal and illegal with this law.
To that end, the Malheur County Sheriff's Office is hosting a seminar next week for local law enforcement to help everyone get on the same page.