The State of Oregon has recently passed a bill in the State Assembly to roll back some of the provisions in Measure 110, a 2020 drug decriminalization bill CNN reports.
The primary change to Measure 110 is that heroin and amphetamine possession would be made a misdemeanor. It would then carry a potential maximum sentence of six months, however it also offers rehab as an alternative to time served.
This is an interesting analogue to New Hampshire’s issue with drugs as well. The approach N.H. has taken is frankly, to do nothing. Just maintain the status quo of shuffling addicts in and out of jail.
The route Ore. had taken was commendable, yet I am not surprised by the outcome here.
This new legislation passed by the Assembly is a step in the right direction though. This model is very similar to the Portuguese system of dealing with drug addiction: decriminalize and treat addiction as a medical issue not a criminal issue.
In the late 1990s the Portuguese were struggling with high addiction, overdose and HIV rates, one of the highest in Europe according to Statista, by 2016 these numbers had become almost nonexistent.
This new drug policy was a resounding success for the people of Portugal and it allowed people to maintain some dignity and get the help they need, especially when they are at the lowest point of their life.
Hopefully the deployment of this new legislation goes smoothly for Ore., as it did in Portugal, and maybe N.H. could take a few pointers from their west coast fellows.
I understand there is difficulty and nuance to be had in these conversations regarding illicit drug use and addiction alike, but this is a really turning point in the conversation.
Just recently all three approaches to the problem had been in motion at the same time and now is the time for N.H. to follow suit.
As a state, we can drastically change our drug policy for the better and set an example for the nation as to what successful reform looks like and put another nail in the coffin to this abysmal drug war.
Doing little to nothing for folks struggling has helped no one and it is time for a change.
Timothy Fitzpatrick can be contacted at
tfitzpatrick@kscequinox.com
