Voter's Remorse? Oregonians Consider Backtracking on Drug Decriminalization

Less than three years after Oregon’s Measure 110 decriminalized hard drugs were approved, Clackamas County commissioners are deliberating on its potential reversal. They are exploring an advisory vote for the May 2024 ballot to assess public sentiment about this contentious issue. The debate is driven by a desire to understand whether voters, who initially supported the measure, are now experiencing ‘buyer’s remorse’ as Commissioner Schrader suggests.

The discussion among the commissioners extends beyond just the voters, though. Other options are being considered, such as requesting a special legislative session from Governor Tina Kotek or redirecting funds toward behavioral health resource networks. Commissioner Ben West urges local communities to support their neighborhoods, schools, parks, and law enforcement agencies, emphasizing that the current legislative direction has proven inadequate.

In April 2023, DHM Research polled Oregon voters about repealing portions of Measure 110 to bring back criminal penalties for drug possession while using cannabis taxes to fund drug treatment programs. Key findings from the survey include:

• More voters believe that the root cause of homelessness is drug addiction and mental health problems rather than a lack of access to affordable housing
• A majority of Oregon voters think that Measure 110 has been bad for Oregon
• More than 6 in 10 voters believe that Measure 110 has made drug addiction, homelessness, and crime worse
• 63% of voters support bringing back criminal penalties for drug possession while continuing to use cannabis taxes to fund drug treatment programs
• When hearing about the state’s struggles in standing up treatment programs, voters become more supportive of bringing back criminal penalties for drug possession