PORTLAND, Ore. – Oregon made history by becoming the first state to experiment with drug decriminalization, but this bold move is now coming to an end. As of Sunday, possessing small amounts of hard drugs will once again be a criminal offense.

The Democrat-controlled Legislature passed a recriminalization law earlier this year, overturning a measure approved by 58% of voters in 2020 that had made possessing illicit drugs like heroin punishable by a small fine. The slow distribution of funds for addiction services and a spike in deadly overdoses due to the fentanyl crisis led to the decision to reverse the decriminalization law, according to state auditors.

The new law, which was supported by Republican lawmakers who opposed decriminalization, makes personal drug possession a misdemeanor punishable by jail time. The aim is to empower law enforcement to address drug use in public spaces and impose stricter penalties for drug sales near sensitive areas like parks.

Advocates for decriminalization argue that treatment is a more effective approach to addiction than imprisonment and that the traditional method of arresting drug users has proven ineffective over the years.

The new law provides avenues for treatment instead of criminal sanctions but leaves it up to individual counties to develop diversion programs. While this flexibility allows for tailoring programs to local needs, critics fear it may lead to a disjointed and unfair system.

Currently, 28 of Oregon’s 36 counties have applied for grants to fund diversion programs, with the Oregon Criminal Justice Commission set to distribute over $20 million in grants over the next year.

While some counties, like Multnomah County, are setting up temporary centers to support people with drug issues, other counties plan to defer drug possession charges while individuals undergo treatment programs.

The varied approaches to diversion programs across counties raise concerns about consistency and fairness, according to experts in public health and drug policy.

As Oregon transitions away from drug decriminalization, the focus is shifting towards expanding treatment services to effectively support individuals struggling with addiction. Lawmakers will closely monitor the implementation of new programs to assess their effectiveness and address challenges as they arise.

Despite the hurdles ahead, there is optimism among legislators and advocates that Oregon can find a balanced approach to tackling substance abuse and supporting those in need.

With over $1.5 billion invested in expanding treatment capacity in the last four years, Oregon is making strides in addressing addiction. However, more work is needed to meet the growing demand for services and close existing gaps in care.