What’s Happening:
Over the years, Democrat-run parts of the country have advanced an aggressive drug agenda. States have legalized marijuana, claiming this was “criminal justice reform.”
The statistics prove the folly of these decisions. And, along with attempts to defund police, many of these states have seen rapid decline.
But one blue state went above and beyond all the others. It voted in 2020 to legalize possession of nearly every drug. And now, they are reaping the consequences.
From DHM Research:
In 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 110, which decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs… Since then, Oregonians have continued to report that crime is increasing…A majority of Oregon voters think that Measure 110 has been bad for Oregon… More than 6 in 10 voters think 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
A new survey reveals that a majority of Oregon voters regret passing Measure 110. This policy decriminalized the possession of “small amounts of drugs.” This goes beyond most blue states that have legalized recreational marijuana usage.
The measure was supposed to redirect taxes on marijuana sales to “drug treatment programs.” But common sense states that if you legalize drug use, it won’t encourage addicts to see rehabilitation. As you might have predicted, drug addiction and associated crime have only risen in the state.
Voters are now blaming Measure 110 for spikes in crime. Over 60% of voters think the measure has made problems like addiction, homelessness, and crime worse. In most states with major homeless and crime problems, recreational drug use is almost always legal.
Now, 63% of voters in Oregon want to restore criminal penalties for drug possession. These same voters are now convinced that drug addiction and mental health problems are the “root causes” of homelessness, not a lack of “affordable housing” as many officials have claimed.
This report should serve as a wake-up call to cities and states that seek to legalize drug use. Oregon has become an unwitting guinea pig for the rest of the country. All blue states suffering from rising crime and homelessness also prove that legalizing drugs, even marijuana, comes with serious consequences to society.
But will the rest of the country respond accordingly? Progressive activists continue to lobby to legalize marijuana and other narcotics nationwide, despite the horrible rise in drug-related deaths.
Key Takeaways:
- Oregon voters regret legalizing drug possession in 2020.
- Over six out of ten voters believe it has led to a rise in crime and homelessness.
- Over 60% of voters want to restore criminal penalties for drug possession.
Source: DHM Research
