Voters in the dominantly left-wing state of Oregon pushed for the decriminalization of all hard drugs.
This happened as a means of driving those addicted to them into seeking medical assistance, but the plan backfired horribly.
Namely, instead of prompting users to “administer safely” or “get help from a professional,” all the move did was drive up the state’s overdose rate sevenfold.
An obvious sequence of events
The move, formally known as Ballot Measure 110, was one of a kind in the US.
It was a way for Democrats to test the waters in the drug control sphere of things; although, after this unfortunate development, it’s highly unlikely the same kind of bill will pass ever again.
Oregon – Drug decriminalization will make the situation safer.
Today in Oregon – Drug overdoses up 700%.
— Bob Johnson (@BestCaseBob) June 3, 2022
The measure in question allowed for anyone in Oregon to possess drugs of any kind without it being considered a felony or misdemeanor by the state’s law system.
There are only some extreme cases of people being subject to a maximum $100 fine for drug possession.
The state was given $300 million for public health programs aiming to fight addiction; yet only $40 million of the amount has been spent, leaving many wondering whether a better solution for the problem is possible.
As it stands, the measure’s effect has been the inverse of the planned outcome, leading to a surge in drug-related deaths.
This, in hindsight, did bring down the number of hard drug users in the state somewhat.
I wonder, what Dem would agree with a state/city that:
*Defunds the police
*Reading, writing, math not required to graduate
*Legal drugs (all) 700% increase
*Record breaking crime rate
*Record homeless
*Antifa allowed to run loose
Welcome to Oregon – Portland specially.— Don MaC (@donmcck) June 4, 2022
Oregon health officials still convinced Ballot 110 has potential
The state’s Republican official, Lily Morgan, spoke up on the matter at hand, urging for the measure to be redacted as overdose rates have spiked to unprecedented highs.
Oregon’s State Secretary, Shamia Fagan claims in the years since it was voted on, that has yet to play out.
Also, in light of recent findings regarding overdose rates and drug proliferation in the state, chances are it’s far beyond repair.
However, the state’s health officials are still convinced there’s hope. Steve Allen, Oregon’s health director, attributed a majority of the recent overdose spikes to the popular practice of lacing drugs like methamphetamines with fentanyl.
Oregon decriminalizes hard street drugs. Overdoses up 700%. Who'd of thunk it? pic.twitter.com/BPUVnzPDE5
— By George Ellison (@PushBack123) June 3, 2022
Additionally, Allen believes if additional resources were pooled into the state’s public health department, overdose-related deaths would begin to decline.
This isn’t rational thinking, considering drug possession would retain its current legal status.
Apparently, Oregon, just like New York, is stuck on the idea that “safe usage” is the solution.
Allen claims harm reduction resources, as well as an increase in medical workers assisting those at risk of overdosing, is what the state’s next move should be.
Leftists and their policies can never stop playing with the lives of others, all for the purpose of retaining power and promoting a one-sided political narrative.
