Oregon is now the first US state to officially decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs.
According to news reports, the new law will come into effect from February 1st, 2021. Therefore, it states that citizens who are caught by officers for having tiny amounts of illegal substances or drugs like methamphetamine, heroin, as well as cocaine, won’t need to face any legal proceedings or charges.
Instead, these individuals will have the new option of getting away with a small fine worth $100 or agreeing to a health assessment that can be carried out at any drug treatment facility in the state.
In addition, the news mentioned how the new measures will also work their way at funding treatment options for drug addiction and related harm decline efforts.
This will be done by relocating millions of dollars from the state’s cannabis tax. In addition, it is expected that all funds will arise from Oregon’s savings that were made by reducing arrests, official supervision as well as incarceration procedures.
Over a span of the next 10 years, Measure 110 will also be implemented by officials from the state’s health authority. This new law has many advocates believing that the new approach to health care will actually enhance standards of living for more than thousands of the citizens that live in the state.
Meanwhile, the executive director for the national non-profit drug policy, Kassandra Frederique talked about the process of criminalization does more harm than good.
She added that it works to create barriers for treatment plans. At the same time, she talked about how citizens would need to be given options to make better choices. Hence, according to her, this new law is a step forward in the right direction as it ends shame, automatically opening individuals up for greater opportunities.
A general consensus by critics revealed how the new law aims to reflect a newfound shifting attitude in the US and beyond. This is in regards to all of those who continually struggle with problems of drug addiction and how they’re treated by members of the public.
“Our Fire Tower House In The Sky: HOMES ON THE EDGE”