Marijuana becomes legal to use in Oregon July 1st. Eugene police say they'll treat the drug much like they do alcohol.
Measure 91 was approved by voters last year. It legalizes recreational marijuana. As of July 1st it will be legal for people over 21 to possess up to one ounce of weed. People can consume it in private but they cannot yet legally buy or sell pot.
Bills: "There is a gap there that we all recognize including the state legislature and OLCC and I know there's been discussions in Salem about how to bridge that gap."
Eugene Police Lieutenant Jennifer Bills.
Bills: "When we come on July 1st adults who are 21 and better will be able to possess certain amounts of marijuana, one ounce of marijuana in public that they can have on their person. But they will not be able to smoke it or consume it in any fashion in public, much like our current alcohol laws."
Bills says driving under the influence of pot is illegal. Lawmakers are still working on ways to measure marijuana intoxication.
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission regulates marijuana and is conducting a public education campaign.
