Drug use is a controversial issue in Oregon. Some people view drug use as a danger to the public, while others believe that the possession of a nominal amount of drugs in your own home is acceptable. This November, voters in Oregon will be able to vote on weather to decriminalize the possession of one two to grams of a controlled substance for personal use.
Measure 110
Measure 110, known as the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act would make it so that instead of being arrested and cited $100, drug possession will not be criminalized, and treatment options will be sought instead. This measure does not apply to the sale of trafficking of drugs, and it still gives police the ability to treat the possession of more than one to two grams of a controlled substance as a crime, and the possession of less than a gram of a controlled substance of a crime as a civil infraction.
Drug addiction in Oregon
In comparison to other states in the nation, Oregon has a high rate of people addicted to drugs. Moreover, Oregon ranks last in the accessibility to drug addiction treatment. Measure 110 addresses these issues.
Ultimately, where you fall on Measure 110 is a personal decision. Currently, those charged with more serious drug crimes in Oregon, such as the possession of large amounts of drugs, drug manufacturing and drug distribution can expect to face significant fines and even jail time. Criminal defense attorneys in Oregon can be a useful resource for those who want more information on current drug laws in the state.