Drug Addiction Recovery vs Law Enforcement

 Oregon lawmakers may reduce funding for addiction services created by Measure 110, the country's first drug decriminalization law. (Jeff J. Mitchell/Getty Images)

    In 2015, marijuana was legalized for recreational use in the state of Oregon. In 2020, the state voted to enact measure 110, which was intended to "Make screening, health assessment, treatment and recovery services for drug addiction are available to all those who need and want access to those services" (Oregon.gov). This measure was to be funded by millions of dollars in marijuana revenues collected by state taxes. Since 2020, Oregon, and Portland specifically have experienced dramatic rises in homelessness, drug addiction and crime. At the same time, county and state police departments have experiences staffing and funding shortages throughout the entire state. Lawmakers are considering the re-allocation of some of the funds from measure 110 to fund law enforcement. Some believe this will help the current drug and crime crisis, whereas others believe measure 110 still needs "time in order to work".

https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2023/02/09/lawmakers-consider-shifting-some-measure-110-addiction-recovery-money-to-cities-and-counties/