Amidst criticism, Multnomah County, Oregon, is set to distribute foil and straws to fentanyl users as part of a harm reduction initiative. This strategy, which has sparked controversy, aims to provide drug users with resources like clean needles, pipes, naloxone, and now, smoking supplies, to mitigate the risks associated with drug use. Public health director Jessica Guernsey explained to KOIN 6 that the inclusion of smoking supplies is a response to the observed shift from injection to smoking drug use, aiming to reach a wider population of users who might not otherwise seek help.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler expressed strong disapproval, accusing the county of "actively enabling" the fentanyl epidemic and raising concerns about public safety risks posed by the potential increase in public drug smoking. This initiative comes as part of Oregon's broader harm reduction efforts, which have been debated extensively.

County spokesperson Sarah Dean, in an interview with Willamette Week, highlighted a decrease in clinic visits since 2019, attributing it to the prevalence of fentanyl smoking over injection. Dean also cited research suggesting that providing safer drug use supplies does not lead to an increase in drug use. The county's handouts will also include glass pipes and snorting kits.

Oregon's drug policy landscape shifted significantly in 2021 with the decriminalization of personal use amounts of all drugs under Measure 110. However, the lack of clear definition regarding personal use amounts for fentanyl, now the deadliest drug in the state, has presented challenges. A recent bipartisan bill aims to address this by establishing misdemeanor charges for possessing between 1 and 5 grams of fentanyl, pending the governor's signature.