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Oregon Confronts Challenges with its Pioneering Drug Decriminalization Law Amid Rising Fentanyl Crisis

by Madison Thomas
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Oregon Drug Decriminalization

In Oregon, a groundbreaking law that decriminalized possession of small quantities of drugs like heroin and cocaine, replacing punitive measures with addiction treatment, is now under scrutiny. This reassessment comes in the wake of an alarming increase in public drug consumption and a spike in opioid-related fatalities, including among children, largely driven by the widespread availability of fentanyl.

John Horvick, Vice President at DHM Research, notes the profound impact of visible drug use on city residents, influencing their views on Measure 110. Enacted three years ago with a 58% voter approval, Measure 110 was seen as a transformative step towards addressing addiction through reduced penalties and enhanced treatment options.

Yet, even supporters within the Democratic party are reconsidering the legislation in light of the unprecedented rise in synthetic opioid deaths. This issue is expected to be a focal point in the upcoming legislative session.

Recent incidents, such as nearly a dozen child overdoses in Portland involving fentanyl, five of which were fatal, highlight the urgency of the situation. The visibility of drug use and addiction, particularly in Portland, underscores the challenge.

Democratic State Senator Kate Lieber, co-chair of a committee formed to address addiction, emphasizes the necessity of action for safer communities and lifesaving measures.

Measure 110 redirected cannabis tax revenue to addiction services while making possession of small drug amounts a minor offense. For instance, possessing less than a gram of heroin leads to a citation and a potential $100 fine, dismissible upon completing an addiction screening via a 24-hour hotline within 45 days. However, failure to do so incurs no additional penalty. State auditors found that in its first year, only 1% of cited individuals sought help through this hotline, raising concerns about the law’s effectiveness in encouraging treatment.

Republican legislators are calling for a special session to address these challenges, proposing stricter penalties and mandatory treatment, including potential hospitalization for those deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Law enforcement advocates for reclassifying drug possession as a class A misdemeanor, offering up to a year in jail or a $6,250 fine, while maintaining diversion opportunities. However, data indicates that decades of criminalizing possession have not deterred drug use, with nearly 25 million Americans reporting illicit drug use in the past year.

Some officials suggest targeting public drug use rather than mere possession. Alex Kreit, an expert in addiction law, notes that while this might reduce public drug consumption, it doesn’t tackle the underlying issue of homelessness.

Oregon’s decriminalization law, though scrutinized, is not alone in facing challenges. Many states with stricter drug laws also report increases in fentanyl deaths. CDC data shows Oregon leading in the rise of synthetic opioid overdoses, with over 1,100 deaths in a recent year, a 13-fold increase from 2019.

Despite these challenges, supporters of Measure 110 point to the broader context, including the COVID-19 pandemic, mental health workforce shortages, and the escalating fentanyl crisis, which escalated after the law’s implementation.

Oregon lawmakers, seeking insights, visited Portugal, known for its decriminalization policy. However, differences such as Portugal’s lack of a fentanyl issue and its universal healthcare system make direct comparisons challenging.

Despite criticisms, Measure 110 has facilitated progress, directing $265 million in cannabis tax revenue to new addiction treatment infrastructure and establishing Behavioral Health Resource Networks. These networks have significantly increased treatment uptake.

Support for expanding treatment remains strong, according to pollster Horvick. Democratic Senator Lieber warns against repealing Measure 110, arguing that its removal wouldn’t resolve the underlying problems Oregon faces with addiction and public health.

This report includes contributions from Geoff Mulvihill of Big Big News and is part of the Big Big News/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative, aimed at covering underreported issues.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Oregon Drug Decriminalization

What is the main issue with Oregon’s drug decriminalization law?

Oregon’s pioneering law that decriminalized small amounts of drugs like heroin and cocaine is facing challenges due to a rise in public drug use and opioid-related deaths, particularly driven by the fentanyl crisis.

How did Oregon initially approach drug decriminalization?

Oregon’s approach, through Measure 110, focused on reducing penalties for drug possession and reallocating cannabis tax revenue towards addiction treatment services.

What are the current criticisms of Oregon’s decriminalization law?

Critics argue that the law has led to increased public drug use and hasn’t effectively encouraged individuals to seek treatment, as evident from the low percentage of cited individuals utilizing the provided addiction hotline.

What changes are being considered for the law?

There are proposals for stricter penalties, mandatory treatment, and reclassifying drug possession as a class A misdemeanor, alongside focusing on public drug use rather than possession.

What impact has the law had on public drug use and opioid deaths?

The law coincided with a surge in public drug use and opioid deaths, particularly involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl, with Oregon reporting the highest increase in such deaths among states.

How does Oregon compare to other states in terms of drug-related deaths?

Despite its decriminalization efforts, Oregon leads in synthetic opioid overdose fatalities, indicating that the crisis is not solely a result of the decriminalization policy.

What are some of the broader factors influencing Oregon’s drug crisis?

The crisis is attributed to a combination of the law’s effects, the COVID-19 pandemic, a shortage in mental health workers, and the escalation of the fentanyl crisis post-law implementation.

More about Oregon Drug Decriminalization

  • Oregon Drug Decriminalization Law
  • Fentanyl Crisis in Oregon
  • Measure 110 and Public Drug Use
  • Oregon’s Addiction Treatment Services
  • Synthetic Opioid Overdoses in Oregon
  • Comparing Drug Policies: Oregon and Portugal
  • Behavioral Health Resource Networks in Oregon

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