Oregon's House Committee on Economic Development, Small Business, and Trade convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss significant updates to cannabis regulations aimed at enhancing business operations within the industry. The proposed changes, encapsulated in Senate Bill 558, focus on streamlining processes for cannabis producers and improving the efficiency of trade practices.

One of the key provisions of the bill allows for business-to-business (B2B) registered events, enabling cannabis companies to distribute trade samples at these gatherings. These samples, intended solely for industry professionals, will facilitate quality control and education for potential wholesale partners, rather than being available to the general public. This change is expected to foster better relationships between producers and retailers, enhancing market dynamics.

Additionally, the bill proposes to eliminate the current requirement that products must return to the originating licensee for 24 hours before being transferred at these events. This adjustment is particularly beneficial for rural and small businesses, reducing transportation costs and logistical challenges associated with product distribution.

Another significant update is the removal of the 1% ownership requirement for producer-to-producer transfers of usable flower. This change aims to simplify transactions between farms, allowing them to operate more freely and develop new market opportunities akin to the relationships seen in the wine industry.

The bill also clarifies that producers can provide trade samples of seedlings and seeds to employees for research and educational purposes, streamlining the process for staff training and product development. Furthermore, it expands allowances for trade samples across the supply chain, permitting employees to receive specific quantities of products for training and quality control.

These updates are designed to reflect the realities of the legal cannabis market while ensuring compliance with existing regulations. The committee emphasized that these changes will not compromise oversight or open the door to public giveaways, as all products will continue to be tracked under the Oregon Liquor Control Commission's guidelines.

As the committee moves forward, the implications of Senate Bill 558 could significantly enhance operational efficiency for cannabis businesses in Oregon, fostering a more robust and interconnected industry.