Less than three months before Oregon is set to recriminalize drug possession, Portland-area leaders are working on a plan that some critics argue may not effectively address the issue. Multnomah County officials are at the forefront of this effort, with a proposal that has not yet been made public.
In 2020, Oregonians voted to decriminalize possession of all drugs, leading to a redirection of marijuana tax revenue to fund addiction services. However, the implementation of this decriminalization saw an increase in open-air drug use and overdose deaths, prompting a legislative response.
House Bill 4002 was passed in March, creating a new misdemeanor drug possession charge that gives individuals caught with small amounts of substances a choice between treatment and jail time. The bill allows local governments to determine how to enforce the law before it goes into effect on September 1.
The proposed plan in Multnomah County would allow individuals caught with drugs to avoid arrest by checking in at a drop-off center, without being required to undergo screening or treatment. This approach has drawn criticism from some county commissioners and the district attorney-elect, who believe it may not effectively address the root causes of drug addiction.
While Multnomah County's plan focuses on deflection rather than immediate arrest, neighboring counties like Clackamas and Washington are taking a stricter stance, expecting compliance with treatment requirements and limiting the number of deflections allowed.
As the debate continues on how best to address drug possession in Oregon, stakeholders are emphasizing the importance of providing access to treatment and support for individuals struggling with addiction.
