The aftermath of Oregon’s drug legalisation
Can we look to other countries for guidance?
Homeless people camping on the street in Portland, Oregon
In the past few months, there has been a surge in documentaries and news coverage of the drug crisis in Oregon. In late 2020, the state decriminalised the personal use of all drugs, penalising drug use with only a 100 dollar fine that can be waived after reporting to be an addict.
Many countries have successfully lowered drug addiction and drug crime rates by decriminalising narcotics, however, the implementation in Oregon seems to be a failure. The widespread accessibility and use of fentanyl and the “zombie drug” tranq (animal tranquilliser) has become a public health emergency, with public drug use and homelessness becoming rampant.
Addicts high on fentanyl laced with “zombie drug” Tranq
The interview of a social worker called Kevin shockingly displayed the extreme violence present in the homeless communities of Portland.
While volunteering to help the homeless over the years, Kevin was stabbed twice, had needles shoved into his back, and was attacked with a machete.
So why does drug decriminalisation in Oregon seem to be ineffective? Why was Portugal’s decriminalisation, which inspired this legal ‘experiment’ in the US, a success?
A stand-out factor in Portugal is the strong legal and social pressure on drug addicts to seek treatment. Unlike Oregon, addicts caught using drugs in Portugal are ordered to attend a panel which is organised by the ministry of health. Addicts are treated as people that need help and are integrated into the health system instead of the criminal system.
In contrast, Oregon addicts are unaware of the law. When interviewed, many said they were ‘confused’ and ‘thought drugs were legal’, and ripped fines issued by police in their faces.
Unfortunately, the individualistic attitudes in the US seem to neglect homeless addicts, who resort to camping in the streets in marginalised communities, which have social pressures that push them away from seeking help.
Unlike in other collectivistic cultures, homeless drug addicts in the US often feel oppressed by the public and can lash out with violence towards them. This creates an even greater fear and alienation of addicts.
In Portland, many local business owners are reportedly ‘fleeing the crime-ridden city’ after having to close their businesses due to addicts camping on their doorstep.
Homeless tents blocking foot traffic to local businesses
How can Oregon improve the efficacy or their drug decriminalisation laws?
Starting next week (July 7), Oregon will ban public camping past 8am, forcing homeless people to pack their belongings and carry them all day. This law will prove to be a further hassle for addicts, who are likely to be incarcerated for non-compliance. Not much different from drug-related arrests right?
This crisis could be dealt with in a manner that respects both locals and the homeless. Some approaches that other countries have implemented to achieve this include:
Establishing supervised injection facilities (SIF) as is seen in the Netherlands. SIFs are places where people who use drugs can inject their drugs in a safe and supervised environment. They provide clean needles and other injecting equipment, as well as access to health care professionals, significantly decreasing overdose numbers.
Connecting addicts with help. SIFs also offer a range of other services, such as counselling, harm reduction education, and job training. Such a system would push addicts into a safe environment where they are encouraged to get better.
Creating designated camping areas for homeless people. These areas would be located in safe and accessible places, and they would provide homeless people with a place to sleep, store their belongings, and use the bathroom, without impacting local businesses.
What are your thoughts on decriminalisation, and how to improve its efficacy?
