Oregon lawmakers vote to recriminalize certain drugs after overdose deaths surge in Portland
Oregon lawmakers have voted to recriminalize certain drugs after a surge in overdose deaths in Portland. A bill decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of drugs was passed by the state Senate and House, enabling police to crack down on drug use and offer drug treatment as an alternative to criminal penalties.
Key Points
- Surge in overdose deaths in Portland led to recriminalization of certain drugs
- Bill passed by state Senate and House makes possession of small amounts of drugs a misdemeanor
- Aims to address the fentanyl crisis in Oregon
Pros
- Enables police to crack down on drug use
- Offers drug treatment as an alternative to criminal penalties
- Aims to make it easier to prosecute people who sell drugs and increase access to addictive medication
Cons
- Criticism that the bill may reinforce punishment narrative
- Concerns about moving more people into the court system without making them healthier