Here is a summary of the article presented by the OP, for those who do not have access to the Washington Post, or lack an add-on for Firefox to bypass paywalls (an ethical grey area, but information should be free in my opinion). Also, jails in the US should be similar to those in Northern Europe, with better interiors and mental health services to help those with mental issues. Here is the article, paraphrased:
The article by David Ovalle discusses the rollback of Oregon's drug decriminalization measure, Measure 110, which was passed with bipartisan support in November 2020. The measure aimed to eliminate criminal punishment for possession of minor amounts of drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, instead handing users $100 citations and offering treatment resources. However, the implementation of Measure 110 faced challenges due to a lack of investment in behavioral health services, the proliferation of illicit fentanyl, and the coronavirus pandemic.
The article highlights that Oregon had underinvested in substance use disorder treatment for decades, leading to a shortage of providers and infrastructure to support those meant to benefit from Measure 110. Frustrated police officers have handed out thousands of citations, but the hotline has been little used. Critics argue that the lack of criminal consequences for drug possession makes it easier for people to continue using drugs without seeking help.
The article also mentions that illicit fentanyl, which can be up to 50 times stronger than heroin, proliferated in Oregon at the same time Measure 110 was being implemented, leading to a surge in drug overdose deaths. The coronavirus pandemic also stretched healthcare services and exacerbated mental health illnesses, housing costs skyrocketed, and open-air drug use became more visible in cities like Portland.
Many members of the public blame Measure 110 for spikes in petty crime and open-air drug use, leading to measures calling for its repeal. The legislation passed this week makes possession of drugs a misdemeanor punishable by up to 180 days in jail or 18 months of probation, and encourages police officers and district attorneys to refer defendants to state-funded deflection programs. The law also provides grants for medication-assisted opioid addiction treatment within jails.
The article includes perspectives from various stakeholders, including addiction doctor Andrew Mendenhall, Brandon del Pozo, a Brown University drug policy researcher, and Keith Humphreys, a Stanford University psychiatry professor. The tension over Measure 110 reflects wider questions about the role of law enforcement and courts in the nation's drug crisis.
From OP post:
https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2024/03/01/oregon-drug-decriminalization-fentanyl/
