Oregon reverses course on hard-core drug decriminalization after disastrous results

In late August, a new era began in Oregon: Possession of certain drugs was once again a felony.

The state Legislature voted on a pair of bills in March that recriminalized possession, making it a misdemeanor punishable by up to 30 days in jail for probation violations or 180 days in jail if a judge revokes probation, Axios reported at the time. Gov. Tina Kotek (D) signed them into law in April.

The new laws recriminalizing drug possession came into effect on September 1.

However, most counties in the state have also decided to offer a “deflection” route for people arrested for possession, where they can either go to jail or decide to connect with resources to seek treatment.

There were also problems with the way the state health department managed grants for substance abuse programs.

The state’s response to the worsening drug epidemic was because voters regretted Measure 110, which passed with 60% of the vote in 2020 to make possession of drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl a crime. As a result, parts of the state, like downtown Portland, became open drug dens that posed a risk to public safety.

Businesses in Portland closed in part because of the conditions created by Measure 110. For example, a Buffalo Wild Wings closed due to concerns that the area around the restaurant would become a “haven for crime and drug use.” The city said the franchise failed to pay rent despite efforts to address the business’s safety concerns, the Oregonian reported.

The Washington Post reported that part of Measure 110’s failure was due to the state’s lack of resources to provide treatment to drug users who chose to seek help. There were also problems with the way the state health department administered funding for substance abuse programs.

Drug Policy Alliance, a strong supporter of Measure 110, criticized the state’s response to the drug epidemic.

“Measure 110 had great successes, but was scapegoated by corporate interests and drug war advocates. It provided more than $300 million for health services and increased the number of people entering voluntary treatment by 205%. These successes cannot be minimized or attributed to HB 4002,” DPA said.

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