Oregon Overdose Rates Grabbing The Attention Of Rest of The Nation

Initiative 1922 in WA state would do the same thing that's happened in Oregon, legalize personal use of hard narcotics and drugs. Are supporters noticing Oregon's rising overdose rates?

Oregon overdose deaths climb 700 percent since legalization

Washington's initiative is very similar to Oregon's with a few slight differences. But they're similar in that they legalize what's called "personal use" of heroin, meth, crack, and other hard drugs and narcotics.

Oregon's Ballot Measure 110 was approved, largely due to the populations in and around Portland. It went into effect in February 2021. In a nutshell, if a person is caught with these narcotics, they either receive a $100 fine, or it can be waived if they seek support from a new state-run drug addiction support service.

 People are not seeking help?

According to information from The Blaze website, and other sources, $300 million was set aside for these drug support services, but only $40 million has been allocated or used so far. That means not nearly as many people are calling the hotline or actually using the services to help get free from drugs as those who use it as a 'get out of jail free' card.

The theory was, to decriminalize drug use but help people get off of them.  But in reality, Oregon officials say overdose rates have risen 700 percent. Oregon GOP House Rep Lily Morgan (Grants Pass) says in her area, overdose deaths have risen 120 percent.

Oregon is seeing skyrocketing rates, especially in smaller communities that often are plagued by drug abuse.

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Oregon's Secretary of State said when the bill passed it was supposed to improve people's lives, but since February 2021, that has NOT been happening.

   Oregon officials blame overdoses on Fentanyl laced drugs

Oregon health officials, including Behavioral Health Director Steve Allen, blame the overdose rates rising on Fentanyl-laced drugs, namely meth laced with the deadly additive. That is a legitimate argument, however, it does not address the rising drug rates which have resulted in these skyrocketing overdose cases.

   As we are seeing in WA state, and other northwest and western areas, fentanyl-laced drugs have been an issue for several years BEFORE this law was passed.

Despite this deadly trend, we did NOT see overdose and fatality rates rise this fast in Oregon before the hard drugs were legalized.

It might be wise for supporters of I-1922 to look closely at how this plays out in Oregon.