Oregon Ends Failed Drug Decriminalization, Restores Penalties

Submitted by MAGA Student

Posted 29 days ago

Oregon's failed experiment with drug decriminalization has come to an end, as state lawmakers unanimously reinstated penalties on hard drug possession.

After three years of allowing users to possess substances like fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine without criminal repercussions, the move to reinstate penalties in House Bill 4002 demonstrates a decisive shift towards prioritizing public safety over misguided progressive policies.

Since the implementation of Measure 110, designed to decriminalize these hard drugs, the state's addiction hotline received only a handful of calls, signaling a catastrophic failure of the initiative. Oregon's residents witnessed an alarming spike in drug-related incidents, ultimately leading to bipartisan recognition that the original approach was a disaster for communities across the state.


Oregon state Representative Janelle Bynum, a Democrat, recently used her collaboration on HB 4002 as a key feature in her campaign against Republican Lori Chavez-DeRemer in Oregon’s Fifth Congressional District. Bynum's advertisement highlights her commitment to reinstating law enforcement mechanisms to combat the rising tide of addiction and its repercussions on public safety.

While some leftist groups, including the ACLU of Portland, continue to claim that the reinstatement of penalties is a step backward in the fight against racial inequity, conservative voices urge a practical approach to defending communities from the devastating effects of drug abuse. The reality remains that many communities demand the restoration of law and order as a frontline defense against the chaos and suffering caused by rampant drug use.

The first enforcement actions under HB 4002 reflect a no-nonsense approach to the matter, with local authorities already making arrests for possession. This is a critical step towards taking back control from the failed decriminalization policy that only served to exacerbate the drug crisis.

As institutions like the Portland Health Justice and Recovery Alliance campaign against law enforcement’s traditional methods, the public appears increasingly weary of progressive rhetoric that disregards safety and accountability. Restoring penalties sends a clear message: protecting communities must come first.

Moving forward, it remains essential that lawmakers from all sides of the aisle recognize the urgency of addressing public health emergencies through actionable policies rather than rhetoric. Oregonians are calling for real solutions—not more empty promises—demanding effective treatment, rehabilitation, and, ultimately, safer neighborhoods to live in.

In a time when drug-related tragedies are pressing issues across the nation, Oregon's decision to end its flawed approach could serve as a powerful message to other states re-evaluating their own policies on drug possession and enforcement. It’s time for leaders across the country to prioritize the safety and well-being of their citizens over experimental policies that enable destructive behavior.

Sources:
theepochtimes.com
rumble.com
basedunderground.com



Latest News