Oregon Becomes First State to Decriminalize Hard Drugs.
According to the Associated Press, a vote of 59-41% was in favor of decriminalizing small amounts of drugs like heroin, cocaine, MDMA, LSD and meth in the state.
The "Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act" seeks to provide "a humane, cost-effective, health approach" to dealing with such substances.
People suffering from addiction are more effectively treated with health care services than with criminal punishments, Via the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act.
A health care approach includes a health assessment to figure out the needs of people who are suffering from addiction, and it includes connecting them to the services they need, Via the Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act.
According to Fox News, addiction services will be funded by Oregon's marijuana tax revenue, which brings in more than $100 million a year.
Possession of small amounts of hard drugs will now result in
a fine up to $100, which can be waived if the user submits themselves to Addiction Recovery Centers.
Manufacturing and selling drugs and
driving under the influence are still
considered criminal offenses