Oregon recriminalizes some drugs, expands addiction treatment

[LAUREN TAYLOR]

OREGON IS WALKING BACK ITS FIRST-IN-THE-NATION DRUG DECRIMINALIZATION POLICY FROM 2021 WHICH HAD ENDED CRIMINAL PENALTIES FOR POSSESSING SMALL AMOUNTS OF DRUGS LIKE HEROIN, METHAMPHETAMINE, LSD, AND OXYCODONE.  DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR TINA KOTEK SIGNED THE NEW BILL MONDAY.

SUPPORTERS OF THE CHANGE IN DIRECTION SAY IT’S A POSITIVE STEP TOWARDS ADDRESSING OVERDOSES, WHILE OPPONENTS SAY IT COULD VIOLATE CIVIL RIGHTS.

THE LEGISLATION REINSTATES JAIL TERMS OF UP TO SIX MONTHS FOR MINOR DRUG POSSESSION, EMPOWERS POLICE TO SEIZE DRUGS AND PREVENT PUBLIC USE, AND ENCOURAGES REDIRECTING OFFENDERS TO TREATMENT INSTEAD OF JAIL. IT ALSO ALLOWS FOR EXPUNGING POSSESSION CHARGES. HOWEVER , THOSE UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO SEEK TREATMENT MAY STILL FACE UP TO 180 DAYS IN JAIL.

KOTEK EMPHASIZED THAT THEIR EFFORTS IN THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION ARE AIMED AT SUPPORTING OREGONIANS DEALING WITH ADDICTION, MAINTAINING COMMUNITY SAFETY AND  MINIMIZING THE NEGATIVE IMPACTS ON COMMUNITIES OF COLOR.

GOV. TINA KOTEK
(D) – OR
“I’ve directed my Administration to work closely with each of the implementing authorities – the courts, the Oregon Judicial Department, the Oregon Public Defense commission the cities the counties law enforcement, DAs –- to set expectations to mitigate projected impacts to communities of color and ensure that treatment pathways for individuals – which was one of the goals – are balanced with the accountability outcomes related to the criminal justice system.”

[LAUREN TAYLOR]

MARIJUANA AND PSILOCYBIN MUSHROOMS FOR THERAPEUTIC USE REMAIN UNAFFECTED.

211-MILLION DOLLARS WILL BE SET ASIDE FOR RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT FACILITIES AND RECOVERY HOUSES AND PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO OFFER ALTERNATIVES TO JAIL FOLLOWING ENCOUNTERS WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT.

THE CHANGES TAKE EFFECT SEPTEMBER 1.