The Daily
Oregon Decriminalized Drugs. Voters Now Regret It.
Mar 12, 2024
Mike Baker, a national reporter for The New York Times, dives into Oregon's controversial decriminalization of hard drugs. He outlines the initial hope for a treatment-focused approach and the subsequent rise in overdose deaths that shocked the community. Baker discusses the backlash and calls for renewed restrictions, revealing how Measure 110 has reshaped public opinion on drug policy. He also provides insight into the challenges faced by both lawmakers and residents in navigating this escalating crisis, making for a compelling conversation.
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Quick takeaways
- Oregon shifted focus from incarceration to treating addiction as a health issue post-decriminalizing drug possession.
- Oregon lawmakers partially rolled back decriminalization due to challenges in effective treatment implementation and rising drug-related problems.
Deep dives
Decriminalization of Drugs in Oregon
Oregon's Measure 110 decriminalizes drug possession, shifting focus from incarceration to treating addiction as a health issue. Under the measure, carrying small amounts of hard drugs like cocaine or heroin results in a citation rather than arrest, with an emphasis on entering treatment programs instead of jail time. While funded by cannabis tax revenue, the implementation faced challenges in getting individuals into treatment, leading to increased drug-related issues on the streets.
