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.point 420 |
This will be done by relocating millions of dollars from the state’s cannabis tax.point 75 | 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.point 225 | 1
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.point 259 |
She added that it works to create barriers for treatment plans.point 53 | At the same time, she talked about how citizens would need to be given options to make better choices.point 137 | 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.point 272 | 1
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.
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