Oregon made history today. It has decriminalized all drugs, including cocaine, heroin, and meth, via Measure 110. Users in possession of drugs can now opt for rehab rather than go to prison. Oregon is, of course, the first state in the US to pass this type of legislation.
From USA Today:
Instead of a criminal justice-based approach, the state will pivot to a health care-based approach, offering addicts treatment instead of prison time. Those in possession will be fined $100, a citation that will be dropped if they agree to a health assessment.
The law goes into effect Monday and will be implemented over the next decade by the state officials at the Oregon Health Authority.
Advocates say the pivot will be life-changing for thousands of Oregonians.
#1: Lod To: Horse (#0)
No shit.
Lod posted on 2021-02-02 21:42:50 Reply Private Reply
#2: TommyTheMadArtist To: Horse (#0)
There were a lot of drug problems there way back in 1999 and I know for a fact it is likely 20 times worse. Likely the same percentage of people doing the hard stuff but I guarantee that crime will skyrocket off the charts right along with all the homeless populations.
TommyTheMadArtist posted on 2021-02-02 21:57:53 Reply Private Reply
#3: Pinguinite To: Horse (#0)
It obviously can't be claimed that making these drugs illegal keeps them out of the country. It does drive the price of them up, which contributes to crime, both in territorial wars between dealers and in theft by addicts to pay for expensive drugs. For people that are naturally anti-authoritarian, having drugs be illegal can be an encouragement to use them.
On the flip side, there is the Darwin argument that might say that if people are inclined to destroy themselves with drugs, let them. Clears the gene pool for more responsible human beings. I've always been an advocate of free choice in such things and decriminalizing drugs helps give people that free choice. How can we teach responsibility to people without giving them the freedom to go hang themselves?
It will be an interesting experiment to see how Oregon fairs. I guess we have Amsterdam as an example also.
Pinguinite posted on 2021-02-02 22:20:16 Reply Private Reply
#4: Lod To: Pinguinite, 4um (#3)
Lod posted on 2021-02-02 22:58:02 Reply Private Reply
#5: Esso To: Lod, 4um (#4)
Was that pre or post woke insanity? I don't honestly know.
Esso posted on 2021-02-02 23:14:27 Reply Private Reply
#6: BTP Holdings To: Pinguinite (#3)
Sorry about the grammar correction, Neil. But, yes, Amsterdam will be a model for this. ;)
BTP Holdings posted on 2021-02-02 23:51:48 Reply Private Reply
#7: Pinguinite To: BTP Holdings (#6)
I wasn't sure which it was and was too lazy to first check. Thanks.
Pinguinite posted on 2021-02-02 23:59:22 Reply Private Reply
#8: Esso To: Pinguinite (#7)
A Columbian hit squad is on its way. I warned you about that spelling/grammar stuff. I'll miss you.
Esso posted on 2021-02-03 00:35:12 Reply Private Reply
#9: BTP Holdings To: Pinguinite (#7)
No problem.
I have bigger troubles of my own now. I seems I lost all the important cards in my shirt pocket. My I.D. and EBT card for food and a couple of taxi cards that pay for my local rides around town. This is going to be big pain in the ass. :-/
BTP Holdings posted on 2021-02-03 01:45:55 Reply Private Reply
#10: Esso To: BTP Holdings (#9)
You were bangin' Ditzy Redbush weren't you? Bidet stole them to give some more abortions in gookland.
Esso posted on 2021-02-03 02:39:01 Reply Private Reply