Oregon Reverses Drug Decriminalization Law

Oregon has reversed its 2020 decriminalization of small amounts of hard drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and meth, reinstating criminal penalties under a new law, HB4002, effective Sunday. The law reclassifies personal-use possession as a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail but offers offenders the option to participate in treatment programs to avoid charges. This shift aims to address rampant public drug use and introduces harsher penalties for selling drugs in public places like parks. The law encourages, but does not mandate, counties to establish treatment alternatives, raising concerns over inconsistent implementation. Already, 28 of Oregon's 36 counties have applied for grants to fund these programs, with over $20 million set to be distributed. Critics argue that the previous decriminalization effort was underfunded and ill-timed, amid a fentanyl crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, which hampered its effectiveness.