Oregonians support repealing measure that reduced penalties for drug possession

The vast majority of Oregonians are against Measure 110 which was passed three years ago. Now, people are concerned about the measure, which drastically reduced penalties for possession of small amounts of drugs on the streets.

A poll conducted by Emerson College Polling revealed that 56% of Oregonians want the measure to be repealed.

Sixty-four percent think that parts of the measure should be repealed to bring back penalties for possession of small amounts of hard drugs compared to 36% who think it should be left as is.

The results show a clear conclusion that Oregonians are not satisfied with Measure 110. Kevin Sabet, director of the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions, the national organization that asked Emerson College Polling to conduct the survey, told Oregon Live: "The takeaways are, Republican or Democrat, people want change. They don’t like Measure 110."

Penalties for possessing drugs at the same time as a traffic ticket

According to The Gazette, Measure 110 didn't get drugs such as heroin off the streets. The law reduced misdemeanor drug possession to a violation on par with a traffic offense. That was before fentanyl made its way into the country as a highly dangerous and addictive synthetic opioid alternative.

There are reasons why the majority of people in Oregon are dissatisfied with the measure. The 1,000 people surveyed said they have seen how the measure has harmed people in the state. In fact, 54% believe it resulted in an increase in homelessness, while 50% said they have noticed more crime in their communities.

The results coincide with a study conducted by Portland State University that found law enforcement officials were frustrated with the measure. In fact, the report revealed that the Oregon police believed it was ineffective and should be repealed. Most people in Oregon agree.