Established in 2009 by Madeline Martinez, then the Executive Director of Oregon NORML, the Cannabis Cafe was established as a place for Oregon Medical Marijuana Program (OMMP) cardholders to socialize and safely use cannabis for medical purposes out of public view, as required by state law.

[1] Members of the club had to be a current OMMP cardholder and pay an entry fee.

The cafe hosted a number of activities, including the annual Oregon Medical Cannabis Awards, which began in 2002.

The cafe also hosted a monthly (OMMP) Cardholder Meeting where the community of patients, caregivers and growers could stay up to date on legislative requirements and changes.

[3] After the Oregon Indoor Clean Air Act was expanded to include marijuana smoking and vaping,[4] Martinez confirmed that the cafe would close on March 8, 2016.