Controlled Substance Regulations in Oregon

What are the controlled substances schedules and how do they affect prescription medications in Oregon?

In Oregon, controlled substances are placed into five distinct schedules, based on their potential for abuse and medical usefulness. These are Schedule I, II, III, IV and V.

Schedule I substances are considered to have the highest potential for abuse and are not medically accepted in the U.S. These substances are illegal to possess and distribute without a valid prescription.

Schedule II substances are considered to have a high potential for abuse but are accepted with a valid medical prescription. These substances also have high potential for psychological and physical dependence.

Schedule III, IV and V substances all have progressively lower potential for abuse and dependence than the preceding schedule. These substances may be available through a valid prescription but with varying restrictions depending on the specific drug.

The schedules in Oregon affect the availability of prescription medications in that some medications may only be available if prescribed by a licensed medical professional. In addition, certain medications may be more tightly regulated depending on which schedule they are placed in. For example, Schedule II substances typically require more stringent prescription filling protocols than those seen with Schedule III, IV or V medications.

How do I dispose of expired or unused prescription medications in a safe and legal manner in Oregon?

The Oregon Board of Pharmacy recommends that you take expired or unused prescription medications to an authorized take-back program or pharmacy for proper disposal. This will ensure that the medications are disposed of in a safe and legal manner. There are a number of locations throughout Oregon where you can bring your old or unused medications. You can find a list of authorized drop-off locations at https://www.oregon.gov/pharmacy/Pages/medication-disposal.aspx.

Are there restrictions on the prescription of opioid painkillers due to the opioid epidemic in Oregon?

Yes, there are restrictions on the prescription of opioid painkillers due to the opioid epidemic in Oregon. These restrictions include requiring prescribers to register with the Oregon Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, checking the database before writing and/or refilling a prescription, and limiting the amount of opioids that can be prescribed for acute pain. In addition, prescribers must counsel patients about safe storage of medications, safe disposal of opioids, and the potential risks of opioid use.

What is the process for obtaining a prescription for medical marijuana in Oregon?

The process for obtaining a prescription for medical marijuana in Oregon involves obtaining a valid written certification from a physician that authorizes the use of medical marijuana. To be eligible, patients must have a qualifying medical condition as outlined by the Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP). Once the patient has received their certification, they must submit an application to the OMMP along with a copy of their physician’s written certification. The OMMP will then issue an Oregon Medical Marijuana Program Card, which will allow the patient to legally access medical marijuana from an OMMP-registered dispensary.

Are there limitations on the quantity of prescription medications that can be dispensed in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon’s Board of Pharmacy has established rules limiting the quantity of prescription medications that can be dispensed at any one time. The maximum amount that can be dispensed is based on the drug’s labeling and no more than a 90-day supply may be provided. For some controlled substances, additional restrictions apply.

Is there a prescription drug monitoring program (PDMP) to prevent prescription drug abuse in Oregon?

Yes, the Oregon Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) was launched in 2009 and is administered by the Oregon Health Authority. The PDMP collects information on Schedule II-IV drugs prescribed in Oregon, allowing prescribers and pharmacists to access a patient’s medication history and verify that the patient is not receiving opioids from multiple providers. The program also provides real-time data and analytics to identify potential misuse and abuse of prescription medications, which helps to reduce the prevalence of opioid misuse and abuse in Oregon.

Can I legally purchase syringes and needles for personal use without a prescription in Oregon?

Yes, you can legally purchase syringes and needles for personal use without a prescription in Oregon. According to Oregon law, it is legal for pharmacists to sell syringes and needles without a prescription under specific conditions. However, the syringes must be sold in a package containing no more than 10 syringes and must be for legitimate medical purposes only.

What are the penalties for possessing controlled substances without a valid prescription in Oregon?

In Oregon, possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription is a Class A misdemeanor crime. The penalty for such an offense can include up to one year in jail and/or a fine of up to $6,250. In addition, those convicted of possession of a controlled substance may also face a suspension of their driver’s license and/or probation.

Is there a Good Samaritan law that provides immunity to individuals who seek help for a drug overdose in Oregon?

Yes, Oregon has a Good Samaritan law that provides immunity to individuals who seek help for a drug overdose. The law protects individuals from being arrested, prosecuted, or penalized by any state or local authority for seeking medical assistance for an overdose of alcohol or a controlled substance. The law does not provide immunity for the possession or distribution of a controlled substance.

Do state laws allow for the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) pseudoephedrine products, and are there quantity restrictions in Oregon?

Yes, state laws allow for the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) pseudoephedrine products in Oregon, but there are quantity restrictions. The Oregon State Board of Pharmacy has limited the amount of pseudoephedrine that can be purchased to 7.2 grams within a 30-day period. Customers must also be 18 years of age or older to purchase these products.

Are there restrictions on the sale of certain cough syrups containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to prevent abuse in Oregon?

Yes, Oregon has implemented restrictions on the sale of certain cough syrups containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to help prevent abuse. As of July 1, 2019, Oregon law requires stores to ask for photo identification from anyone wishing to purchase, or receive a refund for, DXM products. Furthermore, these products are labeled with an advisory statement indicating that they contain DXM which could be abused if misused. Finally, Oregon law also prohibits the sale of DXM products to individuals under the age of 18.

What are the regulations for methadone clinics and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs in Oregon?

In Oregon, all methadone clinics and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) programs must be licensed by the Oregon Health Authority (OHA). These programs are regulated by the OHA and must comply with strict standards set forth by the agency. This includes requirements for staff qualifications, patient safety, and quality of care, record keeping, and reporting. Other requirements include a 24/7 on-site presence of a medical professional, required drug testing, and referral to other services. Additionally, all MAT programs must participate in a data exchange program that allows for tracking of patient outcomes. Finally, all programs must follow the OHA’s Best Practice Guidelines for Methadone Treatment Programs.

Can I legally purchase or possess synthetic cannabinoids (spice or K2) in Oregon?

No, synthetic cannabinoids are illegal in Oregon as of July 2015. Possession of synthetic cannabinoids is a Class A misdemeanor and may result in fines and/or jail time.

What are the penalties for selling or trafficking illegal drugs in Oregon?

Selling and trafficking illegal drugs in Oregon is a serious crime and can carry severe penalties including fines, prison time, and even the death penalty. Depending on the type and amount of drug involved, penalties can range from a few months to life in prison. For example, selling or trafficking heroin can result in a minimum sentence of 2 years in prison and a fine of up to $375,000. Selling or trafficking cocaine can result in a minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $500,000. Selling or trafficking methamphetamine can result in a minimum sentence of 8 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

Are there laws that address drug testing in the workplace in Oregon?

Yes, Oregon has laws that address drug testing in the workplace. The Oregon Drug Testing Law (ORS § 659A.885) governs the circumstances in which employers may require drug testing of their employees and applicants. The law requires employers to have a written policy governing drug testing, and to provide notice of the policy to employees and applicants prior to testing. The law also establishes certain limits on when and how employers may test for drugs, such as requiring reasonable suspicion or post-accident testing in certain circumstances.

Can I legally possess drug paraphernalia, such as pipes or bongs, for personal use in Oregon?

No, it is illegal to possess drug paraphernalia in Oregon. Possession of drug paraphernalia is a Class A misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $6,250 and/or jail time up to one year.

Are there restrictions on the sale of prescription drugs through online pharmacies in Oregon?

Yes. Oregon has several laws in place that regulate the sale of prescription drugs through online pharmacies. Before selling prescription drugs, an online pharmacy must: obtain permission from the Oregon Board of Pharmacy; obtain a valid Oregon pharmacy license; and meet all of the requirements and regulations for dispensing medications. The Oregon Board of Pharmacy also requires online pharmacies to maintain records of all sales and to verify that all prescriptions are written by a licensed physician.

Do state laws require pharmacies to provide naloxone (Narcan) without a prescription to prevent opioid overdoses in Oregon?

Yes, Oregon state law does require pharmacies to provide naloxone (Narcan) without a prescription to prevent opioid overdoses. The law was passed in 2018 and applies to all licensed pharmacies in the state.

What are the regulations for the storage and handling of controlled substances in healthcare facilities in Oregon?

The storage and handling of controlled substances in healthcare facilities in Oregon is governed by the Oregon Board of Pharmacy rules (chapter 855) and the federal Controlled Substances Act. The Oregon Board of Pharmacy requires that all healthcare facilities must store controlled substances in a secure area, with access limited to only authorized personnel. All storage areas must be locked, and record keeping must be maintained, such as a log of who has access to the area. Reasonable precautions should also be taken to ensure that controlled substances are not lost or stolen. Facilities must take appropriate measures to ensure that the controlled substances are not contaminated, adulterated, or mislabeled. Furthermore, the Oregon Board of Pharmacy requires that all healthcare facilities must properly manage the disposal of unused or expired controlled substances.

Is there a process for individuals to report suspected illegal drug activity to law enforcement in Oregon?

Yes, individuals can report suspected illegal drug activity to law enforcement in Oregon. The Oregon State Police (OSP) encourages citizens to report suspicious activities and drug violations to local law enforcement agencies or the OSP Drug Enforcement Section. Reports may be made anonymously and can be submitted using the OSP website or by calling 1-877-677-6634.