Oregon was the first in the United States to decriminalize hard drugs

Oregon made history as the first state to decriminalize small amounts of heroin and other street drugs. The edition told in more detail Oregon Live.

Photo: Shutterstock

The overwhelming majority of voters supported this law. Almost final results showed that 59% supported decriminalization of drugs, 41% were against.

Peter Zuckerman, manager of Measure 110, a decriminalization initiative, called the victory "a big step forward."

“Today is a big celebration, but the work is not finished yet, and we still have a lot to do to create the best for everyone,” he said.

Supporters believe that U.S. drug policy has filled the country's prisons with nonviolent criminals who need treatment instead of jail time, and has disproportionately affected generations of blacks.

The Drug Policy Alliance has poured over $ 4 million into the decriminalization campaign, far more than the $ 95 raised by opponents. The organization is supported by billionaire philanthropist and investor George Soros, who sits on the alliance's board.

Other major sponsors of the project were Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who, along with his wife, Priscilla Chan, donated $ 500, and the American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon, which donated $ 000, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which contributed more $ 150. This measure was also supported by singer John Legend.

On the subject: Hallucinogenic mushrooms, cannabis and pit bulls: what laws the Americans approved in the elections

But the past two weeks have seen strong opposition led by critics, including former Governor John Kitzhaber, who argued that the move would undermine the courts' role in bringing people to drug treatment.

However, this measure has been adopted even in the Republican strongholds of US President Donald Trump, including Jackson and Curry counties in Southern Oregon, as well as in traditional liberal cities, in particular in Portland and Eugene.

Opponents of the law have filed a lawsuit in the Washington County District Court demanding that all votes in that district be dismissed due to a ballot error that creates confusion over the financial implications of the measure.

Jim O'Rourke, one of the leading opponents, said the move does not mean more treatment beds for people with drug addiction.

“We are disappointed that Oregon voters were misled into decriminalizing heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, oxycodone,” he said. “Both parties need to come together with the governor, as well as the Legislature, and give voters what they really wanted: saving the lives of drug addicts.”

This law has three key components:

• reduces liability for drug possession to a non-criminal offense on a par with traffic offenses. People who use small amounts of drugs, including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, ecstasy, LSD, psilocybin, methadone and oxycodone, will receive a $ 100 fine and an opportunity to be screened for substance abuse;
• reduces the fine for what is now a criminal offense for drug possession, which involves a large amount of drugs;
• directs millions of tax revenues from fines to so-called drug rehabilitation centers, where people can get tested and choose treatment options. This money will also go to the Drug Addiction Treatment and Rehabilitation Fund.

Read also on ForumDaily:

Astronaut, transgender, conspiracy theorist: historic 2020 election victories

Hallucinogenic mushrooms, cannabis and pit bulls: what laws the Americans approved in the elections

Marijuana, abortion, weapons: what else do Americans vote for on election day

What happens to the body if you use marijuana every day

Do you want more important and interesting news about life in the USA and immigration to America? — support us donate! Also subscribe to our page Facebook. Select the “Priority in display” option and read us first. Also, don't forget to subscribe to our РєР ° РЅР ° Р »РІ Telegram  and Instagram- there is a lot of interesting things there. And join thousands of readers ForumDaily New York — there you will find a lot of interesting and positive information about life in the metropolis.