Aviva Fried // Credits: PATRICK T. FALLON / AFP
modified to
06:25, April 8, 2024
As of 2021, Oregon was the most progressive state on drugs, with decriminalization of use and possession of small amounts, including hard drugs like heroin or cocaine. But the state governor has just signed a law recriminalizing them. A consequence of the catastrophic situation on the ground.
Back all the way to Oregon. The western American state was the most progressive when it came to drugs, with decriminalization of consumption and possession of small quantities, including hard drugs like heroin or cocaine. But the governor has just signed a law recriminalizing them. A consequence of the catastrophic situation on the ground. The spectacle of people openly injecting drugs in the streets of Portland and the explosion in the number of overdoses and deaths quickly shifted public opinion in favor of a return to sanctions against users.
In the local parliament, the Republicans, like the Democrats, voted for the new law by a very large majority, proof of the seriousness of the situation, according to the Republican senator, Tim Knopp: “There is an emergency. Because when 3 or 4 Oregonians die every day because of addiction, I think it’s up to parliamentarians to try to act and stop the phenomenon.”
A return of order
From now on, possession of small quantities of hard drugs is an offense punishable by 6 months in prison. Cannabis remains legal. When possible, law enforcement should try to prioritize medical treatment. But above all, it is a return to order that the majority of residents are demanding. While Oregon has become in just a few years one of the states with the most drug addicts.