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(OSV News) — When 58.5% of Oregon voters passed Measure 110 in 2020 — America’s first law decriminalizing possession of small amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, heroin and methamphetamines — the intent was to emphasize treatment over incarceration. Funds consumed by enforcing laws previously banning such illicit substances would instead be directed to curing addictions.
The law took effect in February 2021.
But three years later, a nationwide surge in fentanyl use has collided with Measure 110’s legalized tolerance to create a perfect storm of overburdened social services, policing and community dynamics. Officials and citizens alike are rethinking the audacious experiment.
Indeed, the situation has become so extreme that Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Jan. 30 joined Multnomah County and Portland city leaders to declare a 90-day tri-government state of emergency.
“Our country and our state have never seen a drug this deadly and addictive, and all are grappling with how to respond,” Kotek said in a press statement. “The next 90 days will yield unprecedented collaboration and focused resources targeting fentanyl and provide a roadmap for next steps.”
Continued below.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
The law took effect in February 2021.
But three years later, a nationwide surge in fentanyl use has collided with Measure 110’s legalized tolerance to create a perfect storm of overburdened social services, policing and community dynamics. Officials and citizens alike are rethinking the audacious experiment.
Indeed, the situation has become so extreme that Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek on Jan. 30 joined Multnomah County and Portland city leaders to declare a 90-day tri-government state of emergency.
“Our country and our state have never seen a drug this deadly and addictive, and all are grappling with how to respond,” Kotek said in a press statement. “The next 90 days will yield unprecedented collaboration and focused resources targeting fentanyl and provide a roadmap for next steps.”
‘A crisis of abuse’
Continued below.
3 years after drug decriminalization, Oregon now faces a state of emergency
A nationwide surge in fentanyl use has collided with Measure 110's legalized tolerance to create a perfect storm of overburdened social services, policing and community dynamics. Officials and citizens alike are rethinking the audacious experiment.
www.oursundayvisitor.com
