Oregon’s approval last week of drug decriminalization amounts to a fundamental rejection of the decades-long failed war on drugs—and could set the stage for a wave of drug reform that rejects incarceration in favor of treatment, according to a Vox analysis. The Oregon bill decriminalizes low-level possession of hard drugs including heroin and cocaine, while at the same time boosting funding for drug treatment to $100 million from $25 million. Ensuring that individuals enter treatment rather than being sent to jail or prison must be a key component of any such initiative, as just 1 in 10 people with addictions receive treatment. For this initiative to work, substance users must not only be encouraged to seek treatment but also compelled to do so. This experiment, focusing on decriminalization, treatment and public health, should be closely watched as a potentially effective model for confronting the drug crisis.
Meanwhile, cannabis companies are celebrating the victory of Joe Biden in anticipation of a relaxation of marijuana laws. They believe a Biden administration might move ahead with federal-level legalization—although the former VP campaigned on the promise of decriminalization and letting states go their own way on recreational and medical marijuana.
And finally, Mexico is moving toward legalizing marijuana, despite the fact that polls show a majority favor keeping the drug illegal. Supporters argue that legalization—which would make Mexico the largest legal pot market—will dent the illicit trade, create jobs and cut down on crime. Mexico has already decriminalized low-level possession, in an attempt to refocus resources on fighting large drug cartels. As legislators move ahead, they are expected to keep in mind the views of the fairly conservative population who reject legalization.