Measure 110 Drug Decriminalization is a Massive Failure

Homelessness, crime, and rampant public drug use was something you mostly saw if you visited the streets of Portland. But in recent years, it has painfully become more and more of an issue in all corners of Marion County. Much of this increase, especially in public drug use and overdoses can be attributed to Measure 110, which was approved by voters in 2020.

Originally sold to the public as a way to reduce capacity challenges in the state’s prison system and divert individuals to treatment options with cannabis tax dollars, the reality of Measure 110 is much darker. In fact, Measure 110 has taken away the very mechanism counties could use to encourage people with addictions to seek treatment. Before, someone caught publicly using illegal drugs often faced the option of jail, or agreeing to a diversion program where they received behavioral health and addiction treatment, with a focus on solving the underlying issues driving their addiction. Today, that same individual would only face a maximum $100 fine (which many do not pay), or they would have the option to seek treatment (which many don’t). What’s more, the cannabis taxes being used for treatment would continue to be available even in the absence of Measure 110.

With the hands of our law enforcement officers tied by Measure 110 and increasingly potent fentanyl on the streets, it’s heartbreaking but not a surprise that drug overdoses have skyrocketed since the passage of Measure 110. With no real incentive to seek treatment, individuals who could have been helped are instead left to die in the throes of their addiction. This is not compassionate, nor is it in alignment with the values of Marion County residents.

In a recent survey, 75% of Marion County residents supported repealing parts of Measure 110 while still dedicating a portion of cannabis taxes to fund drug treatment programs. And 71% of county residents supported the governor or legislature making efforts to address it.

It’s time to call Measure 110 what it is: A failed experiment with a high cost, lacking compassion and adequate care for our community members who are struggling with behavioral health and addiction issues. As a state and as a community, we can and must do better.