Oregon's Drug Decriminalization Experiment: Lessons, Support, and Controversy

Two years after Oregon decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs, the results of the new approach to drug addiction are mixed. While tens of thousands of people have received addiction services, the state still has high rates of substance use disorder and widespread dissatisfaction with the law. Critics argue that the policy is fundamentally flawed and blame it for an increase in overdose deaths and drug use. However, service providers are cautiously optimistic as money is being allocated and services are starting to come online.