The controversial Oregon Measure 110 took effect on Monday, decriminalizing possession of hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, meth and oxycodone, according to reports.
The measure reclassifies the possession of small quantities of heavy drugs as a civil violation: offenders will face a $ 100 fine, which can be avoided with a “health check” – a 24/7 phone service. week, which will help determine what services an individual may need.
Small amounts include less than 1 gram of heroin or MDMA; 2 grams of cocaine or methamphetamine; 12 grams of psilocybin mushrooms; and 40 doses of LSD, oxycodone or methadone.
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“People who suffer from addiction are treated more effectively with health services than with criminal punishments,” says the project. “A health approach includes a health assessment to find out the needs of people suffering from addiction and includes connecting them to the services they need.”
Oregon will also fund addiction treatment and harm reduction efforts by reallocating millions of dollars from the state cannabis tax.
Moderate amounts of these same drugs have also seen a low crime rating for a simple-sized misdemeanor, according to the Register-Guard.
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Voters approved the measure in November with strong support from more than 100 organizations, including the Oregon Chapter of the American College of Physicians, Oregon Nurses Association, Oregon School Psychologists’ Association, Oregon Academy of Family Physicians, ACLU and others.
“It takes a lot of courage to try something new and I am very proud of our state,” said Haven Wheelock, a harm reduction expert who introduced the measure, according to the OPB. “I’m excited to be a model for other places, to show that we don’t have to harm people by being sick.”
Opponents of the measure argued that Oregon was ill-equipped to deal with a radical new approach to drug use and dependence.
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“I am hopeful about this new effort that will be successful in combating addiction, but I think everyone can agree that it is an experiment,” said Kevin Barton, the Washington county prosecutor.
Paul Best of Fox News contributed to this report.