World Famous Cannabis Cafe

Establishment and Purpose of World Famous Cannabis Cafe:

• Operated in Portland, Oregon from 2009 to 2016.
• Founded by Madeline Martinez, Executive Director of Oregon NORML.
• Created as a safe space for Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) cardholders to socialize and use cannabis for medical reasons.
• Required members to have a valid OMMP card and pay an entry fee.
• Hosted events like the Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards and monthly OMMP Cardholder Meetings.

Activities and Events at World Famous Cannabis Cafe:

• Conducted the Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards, starting in 2002.
• Pioneered as the first medical marijuana strain evaluation competition in the U.S.
• Tracked judges’ medical conditions and strains’ effectiveness for specific conditions.
• Regularly held OMMP Cardholder Meetings to update the community on legislative changes.
• Provided a platform for patients, caregivers, and growers to stay informed and connected.

Closure of World Famous Cannabis Cafe:

• Closed on March 8, 2016, after the Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act expanded to include marijuana use.
• Closure confirmed by Madeline Martinez due to new air quality regulations.
• Decision influenced by legal requirements to maintain air quality standards.
• Marked the end of an era for OMMP cardholders in Portland.
• Impact felt by the community relying on the cafe for socializing and safe cannabis use.

References to World Famous Cannabis Cafe:

• Dan Cook’s Reuters article highlighted the opening of the first U.S. marijuana cafe in Portland.
• Tracy Loew’s USA Today piece discussed how medical marijuana users gathered at the Oregon cafe.
• Noelle Crombie’s reports in The Oregonian covered the cafe’s reopening and subsequent closure.
• Bob Heye’s KATU segment focused on the cafe’s closure due to new air quality regulations.
• OregonLive.com provided insights into the cafe’s closure in compliance with Oregon’s clean air law.

External Links Related to World Famous Cannabis Cafe:

• Democracy Now! featured a video report on Portland’s Cannabis Cafe, the first of its kind in the U.S.

World Famous Cannabis Cafe Data Sources