SALEM – A proposal by the Senate’s top Republican to begin recreational sales in Oregon on July 1 has attracted a lot of interest, but there appears to be daunting issues that would prevent it from becoming reality.

“The concept is good,” said Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, co-chair of the Legislature’s marijuana committee, “but practically speaking there are obvious issues.”

Senate Minority Leader Ted Ferrioli, R-John Day, earlier this week proposed that recreational sales start in medical marijuana dispensaries when possession becomes legal on July 1.

“One of the problems we have is that on July 1, Oregonians will be able to possess, grow and gift marijuana…but they won’t be able to legally buy it,” Ferrioli said in an interview Wednesday. The EO Media Group/Pamplin Media Group Capital Bureau first reported on his plan, aimed at speeding retail sales that may not start until late 2016. [Read more at the Portland Oregonian]