Oregon Reverses Drug Decriminalization Law as Overdose Deaths Rise

Oregon lawmakers have voted to reintroduce criminal penalties for the possession of hard drugs, effectively ending the state's three-year decriminalization experiment. The new law makes minor drug possession a misdemeanor and allocates millions of dollars toward specialty court programs, mental health, and addiction treatment. Despite concerns about racial disparities and the impact on marginalized communities, proponents argue that the measure is necessary to address the fentanyl crisis and public drug use. Critics argue that restoring criminal penalties may not effectively address drug use and could exacerbate existing inequalities.