Voters of Oregon have approved a ballot measure that would make their state the first in the nation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of hard drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine.
Through Measure 110, Oregon would reclassify possession of small amounts of drugs as a civil violation, similar to a traffic offense. Instead of criminal prosecution, the offender would face a $100 fine, which can be avoided by agreeing to participate in health assessments. The measure would also expand access to non-treatment services such as referrals and peer support, using funds from the state’s existing marijuana tax.
