Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW October days break heat records in Medford ... Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... October days break heat records in Medford ... Another wolf makes its way into Southern Oregon ... Our View: Let Medford voters decide on marijuana sales ... SINCE YOU ASKED Since You Asked: Pot use around kids generally not illegal But use could be illegal in certain situations Using marijuana around children is generally not illegal, but users can run into legal trouble under certain conditions. Comment MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jul. 25, 2015 at 12:01 AM Posted Jul. 25, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News What are the laws about marijuana consumption around children now that using recreational marijuana is legal in Oregon? — No name given Putting aside moral questions about using drugs around children, from a strictly legal perspective people using marijuana with children present should be cautious to avoid running into legal trouble. Law enforcement officers, the Jackson County District Attorney's Office, the courts and child welfare investigators could get involved under certain conditions, said Medford police Lt. Mike Budreau. "Generally speaking, when it comes to smoking marijuana in the presence of an underage child, it's not against the law," Budreau said. "But if someone is intentionally or recklessly causing a juvenile to ingest marijuana, that complicates the issue." Providing pot for an underage person to ingest or carelessly leaving marijuana out for a youth to access could lead to charges of recklessly endangering another and criminal mistreatment, Budreau said. A child could also be endangered by exposure to hash oil and other potent pot byproducts, he said. If an adult consumes drugs or alcohol to the point the person's ability to care for a child is inhibited, the person could wind up in trouble. Oregon Department of Human Services child welfare investigators could get involved if a child is endangered, Budreau said. Marijuana use and possession is only legal for people 21 and older in Oregon, according to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. Driving under the influence of marijuana remains illegal, OLCC reminds residents. Caregivers who get high will not be in a position to safely and legally drive a child suffering a medical emergency to a hospital. Using marijuana in public is illegal. Public places include schools, playgrounds, parks, streets and apartment and hotel hallways, according to OLCC. For more information on legal use of marijuana, visit whatslegaloregon.com Send questions to “Since You Asked,” Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; by fax to 541-776-4376; or by email to [email protected] . We’re sorry, but the volume of questions received prevents us from answering all of them. MailTribune.com Writer Posted Jul. 25, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501