Oregon's Re-Criminalization of Drug Possession

SOURCE www.foxnews.com
Oregon is set to re-criminalize drug possession after decriminalizing it in 2020 due to a surge in overdoses and open-air drug use. The proposed plan in Multnomah County has faced criticism for maintaining the status quo with limited access to treatment.

Key Points

  • Oregon decriminalized drug possession in 2020, leading to a surge in overdoses and open-air drug use
  • Lawmakers passed House Bill 4002 to create a new misdemeanor drug possession charge
  • The proposed plan in Multnomah County has faced criticism for its approach to handling drug possession

Pros

  • Addressing the surge in overdoses and open-air drug use
  • Creating a new misdemeanor drug possession charge with a choice for treatment or jail time

Cons

  • Limited direct access to treatment in the proposed plan in Multnomah County
  • Criticism from some county commissioners and the district attorney-elect