In 2020, Oregonians approved a groundbreaking ballot measure, known as Measure 110, establishing the most progressive drug law in the United States.
This measure decriminalized the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs and redirected cannabis tax revenue, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars, towards addiction recovery services. Positioned as a transformative strategy, Measure 110 aimed to address addiction as a public health issue rather than a criminal offense. However, skepticism has arisen as cities nationwide grapple with drug crises.
Against the backdrop of a drug overdose death toll surpassing 100,000 in 2021, exacerbated by disruptions in medical care due to COVID, escalating mental health challenges, and the widespread availability of lethal drugs, Measure 110 sought a different path. Instead of arresting drug users, the law mandates police to issue $100 citations, accompanied by a card providing access to a hotline for addiction treatment services. Individuals can call the hotline to seek help, leading to the dismissal of the citation.
Despite this approach, only 4 percent of those issued citations have utilized the hotline, prompting public pressure. In response to a surge in overdose deaths, state lawmakers, predominantly Democrats, are considering re-criminalization. A proposed bill seeks to reclassify small-scale drug possession as a low-level misdemeanor, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, while offering the option of seeking treatment rather than facing charges. This potential shift underscores the evolving dynamics and challenges surrounding drug policy in Oregon.
