Oregon Measure 110, the Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative was approved on November 3rd, 2020, with 58.82% support. The measure reclassified personal and non-commercial drug possession charges. Under the Oregon Measure 110, the Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative, the possession of a controlled substance ranging from Schedule I to Schedule IV was reclassified from a Class A misdemeanour to a Class E violation. It includes substances like-
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamines
- Psychedelic mushrooms
- Xanax
- And Ketamine
The Class E violation under the Oregon Measure 110, the Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative will be accompanied by a $100 fine or a completed health assessment.
The goal of the Oregon Measure 110
The Oregon measure 110 aims to change the stigma surrounding addiction and to favor rehabilitation over incarceration. Those recovering from addiction will get a helping hand instead of a push back into the lifestyle they’re trying to escape. Make no mistake, individuals who manufacture, distribute, or possess large quantities of the drugs will still be subject to criminal penalties. It is estimated that the convictions for possession of a controlled substance will decrease by 90%.
Funds for helping the addicts
The Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative established the Drug Treatment and Recovery Services Fund, which will receive funds from the Oregon Marijuana Account as well as state savings from reductions in arrests and incarcerations. The measure has been designed so that all revenue in excess of $11.25 million be transferred to the Drug Treatment and Recovery Services Fund every quarter, where it will be allocated through grants to the government or community-run organizations to create addiction recovery centers.
The facilities must provide:
- Immediate medical treatment
- Health assessments
- Intervention plans
- Case management services
- Peer support
- And outreach 24 hours a day
Should the B.C. government take the same approach as Oregon Measure 110, the Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative to addiction? Let us know in the comments below.