Oregon Reverses Drug Decriminalization Amid Fentanyl Crisis
TL;DR
Oregon, which decriminalized hard drugs in 2020, is now reversing course due to soaring overdose deaths and ongoing drug-related issues. State lawmakers have passed a bill to reimpose criminal penalties for drug possession, signaling a setback for the drug reform movement. The decision comes amid concerns about open drug use and a lack of effective treatment programs, prompting some politicians to support the rollback despite previously endorsing decriminalization. Advocates warn against returning to a "war on drugs" approach and urge investment in affordable housing and drug treatment options instead.
- Oregon Is Recriminalizing Drugs, Dealing Setback to Reform Movement The New York Times
- Oregon Legislature approves bill to re-criminalize certain drug possession CNN
- Oregon’s drug decriminalization experiment appears dead Oregon Public Broadcasting
- Oregon lawmakers vote to roll back drug decriminalization The Washington Post
- Oregon lawmakers vote to reverse drug decriminalization amid fentanyl crisis Axios
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on The New York Times