On September 1, when House Bill 4002 takes effect and reinstates the criminal penalties for possessing hard drugs, Oregon is about to experience a dramatic change in policy.
Measure 110, which decriminalized the possession of small amounts of illicit narcotics while prioritizing treatment over punishment, was significantly reversed by this new legislation, which was passed in 2020.
Specifically with regard to heavy narcotics like heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine, House Bill 4002 aims to reverse many of the improvements implemented by Measure 110.
The new law will once more make it illegal to possess these narcotics; proponents hope this will allay worries about drug abuse and public safety.
House Bill 4002’s proponents contend that reimposing criminal sanctions is essential to establishing a strong disincentive to drug usage in public. They claim that by raising awareness of the severe repercussions of drug possession, this strategy will guarantee that people don’t use drugs and may even increase public safety.
The initiative has also received support from local law enforcement officials, who claim it will allow them the resources they need to deal with drug-related problems more skillfully.
Law enforcement felt that there were gaps in their ability to intervene when Measure 110 was in place since they had little options other than to refer people to treatment programs.
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The return to criminality has drawn a lot of criticism, though. Reintroducing criminal consequences, according to opponents, may undo the gains gained in treating drug addiction as a public health issue as opposed to a criminal one.
They are concerned that this strategy would worsen social and economic problems by raising the incarceration rates of people who are abusing drugs.
