Oregon's groundbreaking drug decriminalization experiment faces scrutiny as overdose deaths climb, prompting a legislative response targeting fentanyl, a drug initially overlooked by the original measure. While some criticize the new law's effectiveness, supporters see it as a necessary step to address the state's escalating drug problem.

Oregon lawmakers passed a bill criminalizing possession of a gram or more of fentanyl. (U.S. Customs and Border Protection)

In 2021, Oregon's Measure 110 decriminalized personal possession of various drugs, setting quantity limits for substances like heroin and methamphetamine. However, it neglected to address fentanyl, which has since become the state's deadliest drug. House Bill 2645 now aims to rectify this omission by criminalizing possession of one to five grams of fentanyl, or five to 24 pills, potentially leading to a year in jail.

Skepticism surrounds the bill's potential impact. Drug counselor Kevin Dahlgren, noting that just two milligrams of fentanyl can be lethal, argues that the law might simply encourage dealers to carry smaller quantities. Conversely, Republican lawmakers view the bill as a crucial starting point in reforming Oregon's drug laws, emphasizing its potential to enhance community safety and remove fentanyl from the streets.

Republican Representative Lily Morgan points to the perceived failure of Measure 110 to effectively connect individuals with treatment and recovery resources. The bill received overwhelming bipartisan support in the legislature, with only one dissenting vote from Democratic Representative Farrah Chaichi, who expressed concerns about potential police harassment of vulnerable communities.

Fentanyl is the most frequent drug involved in overdose deaths in Oregon, according to the state's health authority. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

The bill's passage follows a six-week walkout by Republican senators over contentious issues like abortion, transgender medical treatment, and gun rights. With Governor Tina Kotek's signature, the law will take immediate effect, adding another layer to Oregon's ongoing struggle with drug-related challenges.