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Friday, Mar 20, 2026
Outside the box.
Oregon governor signs a bill recriminalizing drug possession into law
Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed a bill into law that reintroduces criminal penalties for possessing small quantities of drugs, reversing a unique decriminalization policy initiated in 2020.
This shift mandates misdemeanors for drug possession, potentially leading to jail time, while promoting treatment alternatives through law enforcement deflection programs.
Kotek emphasized the importance of collaboration across the justice and health systems for the law's effectiveness. Originally, the 2020 Measure 110 allowed for minimal penalties for drug possession, aiming to funnel state cannabis tax revenue towards addiction services.
However, implementation delays and a rising fentanyl crisis led to reconsideration. Despite some Democratic opposition, the adjustment cleared the Democrat-led Legislature, influenced by Republican advocacy for the change. The new law is set to activate on September 1.
Kotek emphasized the importance of collaboration across the justice and health systems for the law's effectiveness. Originally, the 2020 Measure 110 allowed for minimal penalties for drug possession, aiming to funnel state cannabis tax revenue towards addiction services.
However, implementation delays and a rising fentanyl crisis led to reconsideration. Despite some Democratic opposition, the adjustment cleared the Democrat-led Legislature, influenced by Republican advocacy for the change. The new law is set to activate on September 1.
