By Dr. Jarrod Sadulski, Faculty Member, Criminal Justice
On Election Day in November 2020, Oregon made legislative history in the United States. Measure 110 was passed by a wide margin, and this legislation decriminalized marijuana and the possession of hard drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin. In addition, Measure 110 reduced the penalties for possession of larger quantities of drugs.
This new approach to the drug problem in the United States may have serious implications nationwide. While many states have legalized or decreased the penalties for marijuana, the legalization of hard drugs that are highly physiologically addictive may create a significant health crisis in populations who are vulnerable to addictions. Opioids, which include heroin, can be particularly devastating for those people who develop a dependency.
The Significance of Legalizing Hard Drugs during Both an Opioid Crisis and the Coronavirus Pandemic
Oregon legalized these hard drugs during both an opioid crisis and the coronavirus pandemic in the United States. The American Medical Association notes that more than 40 states have reported an increase in opioid-related deaths, and other experts have confirmed that opioid addiction is increasing again in the United States during the coronavirus.
[Related: Opioid Abuse Has Increased during the Coronavirus Pandemic]
Part of Oregon’s Measure 110 that legalized these hard drugs also provides funding for treatment programs. However, coronavirus restrictions have already made it more difficult to access drug treatment centers, due to facility closures and limitations on services due to social distancing.
If the goal of Oregon’s new legislation is to take more of a rehabilitation approach to cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin use versus enforcing drug crimes, rehabilitation opportunities are likely to remain hindered due to the coronavirus restrictions that limit access to these services. As a result, there may be an adverse impact on the health of those people who struggle with drug addictions.
The Effects of Drug Addiction
From my experience in over 20 years of law enforcement, I have firsthand knowledge of the deterioration in addicts’ lives due to these specific drugs. Due to these drugs’ highly addictive nature, once someone develops a cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin addiction, there is usually an immediate decline in their employment, relationships with family and friends, and personal health.
In addition, heroin is often abused due to an addiction that has already been developed after someone has been on pain medication and other opioids. Following an injury, someone may be prescribed a legal opioid such as oxycodone, hydrocodone, codeine, morphine, and many other drugs.
All opioids are chemically related and interact with opioid receptors in the human nerve cells and brain. Since a feeling of euphoria is provided by these drugs in addition to pain relief, a dependence can easily be developed. Once a prescription expires, users are forced to supply their dependence through illegal opioids, which can lead to heroin and fentanyl abuse.
Limitations in the effectiveness of opioid rehabilitation are evident in that the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 114 people per day die due to drug abuse. A survey conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration discovered that as many as 90% of people who need drug rehabilitation the most do not receive it.
Legalizing these hard drugs is likely to have an adverse impact on Oregon addicts who are more likely to find ways to feed their addiction versus getting help through rehabilitation. Community-based rehabilitation services that are offered to addicts free of charge is a good step toward addressing this societal problem. However, removing the punitive repercussions for violating the law is not likely to have a positive impact on drug addiction.
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