Decriminalization of Drugs in Oregon

Follow Deenie and Justin and their findings of Measure 110, which decriminalizes drugs in Oregon, as well as what other people in our community think about this new law that was passed.

Measure 110: What is it?

Written by Deenie Bulyalert and Justin Vinyard

As the world tries to figure out how to deal with the commotion of a pandemic, the rise of awareness in inequalities surrounding a vast majority of minorities, and an incredibly controversial election, Oregon became the first state to ever decriminalize drugs. Measure 110 was passed on November 3rd, 2020 with more than 58% of the votes, according to U.S News. This new law now allows for the decriminalization of personal possession of drugs. Funded by The Drug and Police Alliance, the passing of this ballot measure means that those who are found with the possession of drugs under a certain amount, such as heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and other drug-related substances, are subjected to either a fine or a completed health assessment. Although this law limits the consequence of jail time from personal drug use, those who sell illegal drugs are still subjected to criminal penalties. OPB notes that the law “funds health assessments, addiction treatment, harm reduction, and other services for people with addiction disorders by reallocating cannabis tax dollars and savings from law enforcement making fewer drug arrests." An article by Willamette Week written back in 2019 addresses Oregon, ranking top 5 in the usage of marijuana (#1), misuse of pain relievers (#1), meth (#2), cocaine (#4), and alcohol (#4). Oregon also ranked #21 in heroin use. The passing of Measure 110 hopes to lower those rankings and help those who struggle with addiction.

What is your overall opinion on the Decriminalization of Drugs in Oregon?

"The decriminalization of drugs in Oregon has no real impact on me, but I’m aware of the fact that the effects of this law have made great changes in people’s lives. In my opinion, people have been imprisoned for drug-related crimes for an amount of time that is completely unnecessary, and the jail time they serve (or have served) has probably only hurt their cause, rather than help it. I believe jail time is only necessary if they have been proven guilty of selling them and feeding people’s addictions. The victims that are being consumed by their addictions should not have to face this. Rehabilitation centers are a much more viable option for people suffering from addiction and, even if it doesn’t have major effects, it still helps people take steps in the right direction. I think we, as a society, should embrace people suffering from mental health conditions more, rather than isolating them from society and treating them as hopeless outcasts." GPHS Student (Junior)

"I think it needs to happen once we have adequate and effective rehabilitation centers. I think some of that is pretty lacking in our area right now and there has to be a threshold or standard for that kind of stuff, but I think you're putting the cart before the horse if you decriminalize before the establishment of such." GPHS Student (Junior)

"I truly think that the decriminalization of drugs here in Oregon is an impeccable step towards making something better. To me, rehabilitation instead of jail is a better option. Although I do think that the rehabilitation centers here in Oregon need to have a "reevaluation," for lack of a better word, I do think that this is a step to doing and bettering the lives of people. It also takes away the shame that is revolved around those who struggle with addiction. A lot of what "normal" people think of those who are reliant on drugs is incredibly horrible when these are just people who need a little more help than some of us. We all rely on something to make us feel and sometimes that something is a substance, as bad as it is. I know I rely on sleep to feel better and that may not be a good comparison, but I do think that those who are addicted need a "push" to finding something else that they can rely on to feel. So, all in all, I think Measure 110 was a great thing to implement." GPHS Student (Sophomore)

"I like it! It's really good to see Oregon making a change and working towards erasing some of the stigma around addiction. I really hope some other states start doing something similar." GPHS Student (Junior)

"I’m not really sure how I feel about the decriminalization of drugs. To me it doesn’t seem like the best option. I think the idea of it is good but the execution will be the downfall. I would rather have people get help for an addiction rather than spend time in jail but I think that goes for everyone who commits a crime. The jail system is no longer useful, it’s putting people in a place where they can’t get better. To me jail should be similar to rehab where they get help for what they have done wrong but it isn’t like that at all. I also think that the rehabilitation centers in Oregon aren't equipped enough to help people who have an addiction so I’m not completely fond of the idea of the decriminalization of drugs. I think there are steps and things we need to fix before we try to help people who have challenges they are going through. It’s like the saying "you can’t fix anyone else until you fix yourself" and I think this is the same case, you have to fix the system before you even try to fix anything else. All in all I don’t really like Measure 110, I think sooner or later we will see the downfall of Measure 110 through the broken system that we have here in Oregon." GPHS Student (Sophomore)

Sources:

Ballotpedia. “Oregon Measure 110, Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative (2020).” Ballotpedia, ballotpedia.org/Oregon_Measure_110,_Drug_Decriminalization_and_Addiction_Treatment_Initiative_(2020).
The Drug and Police Alliance. “Drug Policy Action's Measure 110 Prevails, Making Oregon the First U.S. State to Decriminalize All Drugs & Expand Access to Addiction and Health Services.” Drug Policy Alliance, drugpolicy.org/press-release/2020/11/drug-policy-actions-measure-110-prevails-making-oregon-first-us-state.
Kiernan, John S. “Drug Use by State: 2020's Problem Areas.” WalletHub, 13 May 2020, wallethub.com/edu/drug-use-by-state/35150.
Monahan , Rachel, and About Rachel Monahan Rachel Monahan joined Willamette Week in 2016. She covers housing and City Hall. “Nobody Can Beat Oregon for Drug Use and Abuse.” Willamette Week, 2 Oct. 2019, www.wweek.com/news/state/2019/10/02/nobody-can-beat-oregon-for-drug-use-and-abuse/.
News, U.S. “Oregon Just Decriminalized All Drugs – Here's Why Voters Passed This Groundbreaking Reform.” U.S. News & World Report, U.S. News & World Report, www.usnews.com/news/best-states/articles/2020-12-10/oregon-just-decriminalized-all-drugs-heres-why-voters-passed-this-groundbreaking-reform.
Templeton, Amelia. “Measure 110 Would Make Oregon 1st State to Decriminalize Drug Use.” OPB.org, OPB, 4 Nov. 2020, www.opb.org/article/2020/10/15/measure-110-oergon-politics-decriminalize-drugs/.

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