Mixed results for Oregon’s pioneering drug decriminalization
Associated PressSALEM, Ore. — Oregon voters approved a ballot measure in 2020 to decriminalize hard drugs after being told it was a way to establish and fund addiction recovery centers that would offer people aid instead of incarceration. “It’s a different model, at least for the U.S.,” Prozanski said, adding he’d want to wait at least another half-year before considering whether steps should be introduced to compel people to seek treatment. Some 16,000 people accessed services through the ballot measure’s “Access to Care” grants in the first year of decriminalization, according to the Oregon Health Authority. Brian Pacheco of the Drug Policy Alliance, though, said people with drug problems need a range of options, including harm reduction services, housing assistance, peer support and, for those who can’t get insurance or Medicaid, access to treatment centers. “And in those cases, pressuring people to seek treatment is absolutely legitimate.” Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan’s office will be auditing Oregon’s program.
History of this topic
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Oregon botched drug treatment plan tied to decriminalization
Associated Press
Oregon 1st state to decriminalize possession of drugs
Associated Press
Oregon 1st state to decriminalize possession of hard drugs
The Independent
Oregon first state to decriminalize possession of drugs
LA Times
Oregon leads the way in decriminalizing hard drugs
Associated Press
2 drug legalization measures on Oregon ballot
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