As several states voted on Tuesday to legalize marijuana, Oregon went a step further yet again by becoming the first state in US history to decriminalize possession of hard drugs.
Oregon Measure 110 passed with 58.5% of the vote, according to Decision Desk HQ.
It reclassifies personal possession of heroin, cocaine, and LSD from misdemeanors or felonies to violations punishable with a $100 fine.
Peter Zuckerman, the campaign manager for Measure 110, told The Oregonian that the measure's success was "a big step forward."
"Today is a huge day of celebration, but the work is not over and we have a lot more work to do to win a better system for everybody," he said.
In addition to decriminalizing some drugs, the measure also establishes statewide drug-recovery services that are intended to be partially funded by the state's marijuana tax.
The law mandates the Oregon Health Authority to establish a council to distribute funds and oversee the implementation of the recovery centers. The secretary of state is required to audit the council biennially.
A leading opponent to the measure, Jim O'Rourke, told The Oregonian that the measure wouldn't be successful at providing more opportunities for treatment.
"We are disappointed that Oregon voters have been misled into decriminalizing heroin, meth, cocaine, oxycodone," he said. "Both sides need to come together with the governor and Legislature and give the voters what they really intended — saving lives and more treatment beds."
The text for Oregon Measure 110 read as follows:
Summary
Measure mandates establishment/ funding of "addiction recovery centers" (centers) within each existing coordinated care organization service area by October 1, 2021; centers provide drug users with triage, health assessments, treatment, recovery services. To fund centers, measure dedicates all marijuana tax revenue above $11,250,000 quarterly, legislative appropriations, and any savings from reductions in arrests, incarceration, supervision resulting from the measure. Reduces marijuana tax revenue for other uses. Measure reclassifies personal non-commercial possession of certain drugs under specified amount from misdemeanor or felony (depending on person's criminal history) to Class E violation subject to either $100 fine or a completed health assessment by center. Oregon Health Authority establishes council to distribute funds/ oversee implementation of centers. Secretary of State audits biennially. Other provisions.
Result of "Yes" Vote
"Yes" vote provides addiction recovery centers/services; marijuana taxes partially finance (reduces revenues for other purposes); reclassifies possession of specified drugs, reduces penalties; requires audits.
Result of "No" Vote
"No" vote rejects requiring addiction recovery centers/services; retains current marijuana tax revenue uses; maintains current classifications/ penalties for possession of drugs.
