Voters in nearly half of Oregon’s counties approved sweeping changes to the state’s drug laws during this month’s election.
Starting in February, Measure 110 will decriminalize the possession of small amounts of certain hard drugs including heroin, cocaine and meth. Scott Akins is a professor of sociology in the school of public policy at Oregon State University. “The passage of Measure 110 in Oregon by more than 58 percent of the vote was probably the most significant change in drug policy in any state since recreational marijuana was first legalized," he said during an OSU post-election forum with Oregon journalists.
The manufacture and sale of those drugs will remain a crime. Supporters say the initiative will help people with addictions to focus on recovery. Opponents said criminal penalties serve as an incentive for people to seek treatment.
