https://wsj.com/us-news/oregon-decriminalized-hard-drugs-it-isnt…
Nearly three years into an experiment that proponents hoped would spark a nationwide relaxation of drug laws, many in Oregon have turned against the decriminalization initiative known as Measure 110, which passed with 58% support in 2020.
People sprawled on sidewalks and using fentanyl with no fear of consequence have become a common sight in cities such as Eugene and Portland. Business owners and local leaders are upset, but so are liberal voters who hoped decriminalization would lead to more people getting help. In reality, few drug users are taking advantage of new state-funded rehabilitation programs.
The fundamental problem, according to law-enforcement officers and researchers, is that the threat of jail time hasn’t been replaced with a new incentive for people struggling with addiction to seek treatment. Some 6,000 tickets have been issued for drug possession since decriminalization went into effect in 2021, but just 92 people have called and completed assessments needed to connect them to services, according to the nonprofit that operates the helpline.
The only penalty for those who don’t call is a $100 fine, which is rarely enforced.
@9GXBS266mos6MO
I believe that this matter is the biggest topic because it is a more domestic issue, for a state to decriminalize hard drug use is a very bad thing because we will likely see a major increase in homeless activity, drug overdose, and many other crimes due to the addiction levels.
@9GXGHLH6mos6MO
Hard drugs like cocaine and heroin are extremally unsafe in the purist form, however nothing is more unsafe than fentanyl and many people are being poisoned to death and are labeled as drug overdoses. By legalizing these hard drugs you will get a certain group of people that would not otherwise buy drugs, taking them now because they are legal. But I believe this will eventually normalize and society will view these drugs the same way they view alcohol. To proceed with more education and caution.
Alcohol, though legal and normalized, still poses significant societal issues, such as alcoholism, drunk driving, and health problems.
One example that comes to mind is the opioid crisis in the United States, which was largely fueled by legal, prescription opioids. Despite being legal and regulated, these drugs caused a wave of addiction and countless deaths.
@9GXFC9V6mos6MO
hard drugs ruins peoples lifes for themselves and others, make hard drugs illegal
@9GXPM3S6mos6MO
Dont have a huge opinion on it too much i dont look at it alot.
@9GXHV7Y6mos6MO
Drugs shouldn’t have been decriminalized. It’s just an easier time for people who are addicted to get them easier.
@9GXHTVP6mos6MO
Our news should be filled with American news, then news relating to foreign places.
@9GXRQZ6Peace and Freedom6mos6MO
Drugs certain ones should not be legal to the public
@9GXG2QHIndependent6mos6MO
I think that stuff doesn't concern us we need to mind our own business and focus on problems with our own country
@9GXG47D6mos6MO
Our problems within the country should come before others.
@9GX9TCJ6mos6MO
Hard drugs should not be legal anywhere.
@9GXJ4PL6mos6MO
You have to make it illegal so people won't be tempted to do it/do more of it
@9GXBH5R6mos6MO
Hard drugs should be criminalized.
@9GXKLWL6mos6MO
People are dying in mass by a compltely preventible issue
Hard drugs are nasty for you. And decriminalizing it leads to a terrible-looking state. Also, it can harm people.
@9GXQ37N6mos6MO
I think that decriminalizing hard drugs is very stupid because it will make them ever more available than before.
@ISIDEWITH6mos6MO
@9GXQJRWLibertarian6mos6MO
My uncle has been to Portland and said there are alot of drug addicts
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