In Defense of Drug Decriminalization—Yes, in Oregon

In November 2020 , voters in Oregon voted to decriminalize possessing small amounts of some controlled substances, including heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

Authors: Oregonians began to undo the harms caused by over 50 years of a failed War on Drugs .

They say critics blame decriminalization for accelerating the overdose crisis and normalizing public drug use.

Author: Oregon 's increase in overdose deaths is comparable to that of neighboring states.

Measure 110 decriminalized drugs in Oregon has led to a steady decline in crime and crime in the state.

Measure 110 has taken steps to address this problem, but there are still gaps in treatment and harm reduction services in Oregon .

The state has seen a massive increase in its unhoused population, which has risen 63 percent over the last six years .

The War on Drugs has been lost, but the path to repair has just begun, authors say.

Critics of decriminalization assume that those who use drugs have no desire to stop using and that the only effective way to cease drug use is through the threat of prison.

We can’t talk about the War on drugs without talking about its disproportionate impact on communities of color.