Oregon State Government Has Officially Jumped the Shark
Popular Vote Stuns Few With Their Classification of What Defines Criminal Possession of Drugs
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It’s amazing what the public decides, when they are given the opportunity by their legislators and are lobbied hardcore by one side of an issue.
On November 3, 2020, Oregon residents voted on an initiated state statute; Oregon Measure 110, Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative.
This initiative, linked in its entirety above, proposed to reduce possession of ALL illegal drugs (Schedule I-V) from a criminal misdemeanor violation, which could carry a maximum penalty of one year in prison and $6,250 fine; to a Class E penalty with $100 maximum fine with health assessment and/or possible treatment facility ordered.
Said assessments and possible treatment programs paid for by fines, partially by revenue from state marijuana taxes and “prison savings realized”.
Oregon residents spoke at the polls.
58% voted YES. First state legislation of its kind in America.
The initiative passed, to MUCH NATIONAL PUBLIC debate. Expect other states to follow suit within this decade.
What strikes me about this entire saga is not that Oregon decriminalized crack cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, angel dust, ecstasy…
What hits me the hardest is the PUBLIC was given the right to choose YEA OR NAY.
Since when?
Ah… but the plot thickens… however, first, some facts.
The 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health data is stark when it comes to the state of Oregon.
Oregon ranked first in the nation for opioid misuse.
Let me be clear.
