Oregon’s recent legislative changes mark the end of a groundbreaking drug decriminalisation experiment, as possession of small amounts of hard drugs is now categorised as a misdemeanour punishable by up to six months in jail. This rollback, supported by Republican lawmakers, comes as a response to the persistent fentanyl crisis and the slow deployment of addiction services funded by cannabis tax revenues. The new law aims to strengthen law enforcement’s ability to curb public drug use and introduces more stringent penalties for drug sales near public areas. However, it also proposes treatment alternatives to criminal penalties, encouraging but not mandating counties to establish deflection programs that guide individuals away from the criminal justice system and into addiction and mental health services.

While supporters argue that this approach allows counties to tailor programs to their resources, critics warn of potential inconsistencies across the state and the risk of exacerbating an already strained legal system. With 28 of Oregon’s 36 counties applying for grants to fund these programs, concerns remain about the adequacy of treatment capacity and the potential for varying implementation outcomes. The law’s architects highlight the need for a balanced strategy that addresses both supply and demand in the drug crisis, yet the challenges in achieving a cohesive statewide policy persist.

Source: PBS