The topic of drug decriminalization is not new, especially with states such as Colorado and then the District of Columbia legalizing at the state level medical marijuana. However, Oregon is now the first state to decriminalize many drugs, including decriminalization of drug possession of many drugs deemed dangerous at the federal level.
These new laws went into effect this week as a result of a referendum with a majority of Oregan citizens voting yes to decriminalize a majority of drugs such as hard drugs including cocaine and methamphetamine. If caught in possession of these drugs, a citation is expected to be given instead and a referral to a counselor as well, and the penalty has been reduced from a felony. However, the penalty has only been reduced for those in possession of hard drugs and not those caught selling. Read more about the new drug laws in Oregon here.
