The state of Oregon is grappling with a heartbreaking crisis. Three years after the passing of a trailblazing law decriminalizing hard drugs such as heroin, meth, and cocaine, the Beaver State is witnessing catastrophic consequences. Opioid-related deaths have surged to an alarming 955 this year, a staggering increase from 280 in 2019 before the law – Measure 110 – was passed with 58% approval.

“This breaks my heart,” laments Michael Bock, a private security guard in Portland. “What happened before 110 got passed was that I revived zero people. Since 110’s passing, it’s almost daily… These are our friends. They are brothers, fathers, sisters, cousins… we’re talking about the loss of life, and we have to do something different. This is serious.”

The law, which made possession of some illicit drugs punishable by a maximum $100 fine avoidable with a “health assessment”, is now facing backlash. A recent poll from Emerson College revealed that a majority of 56% of Oregonians now support overturning the law. Nearly two-thirds support repealing parts of Measure 110 to restore penalties for possessing drugs, while only 36% believe it should be left as is.

Furthermore, the poll found that over half of Oregon voters believed the measure exacerbated homelessness in their communities, while 50% felt their communities were less safe as a result.

The law initially aimed to treat those struggling with addiction through health care services rather than criminal punishments. However, critics argued that the measure was experimental, with the state being ill-equipped to handle the dramatic change.

Opioid deaths in Oregon, Washington, and nationwide have multiplied significantly since 2019, with Oregon leading the pack. The devastating situation on the ground has people like Bock calling for change to save lives.

“The people out here who are burdened with this addiction are being cast to the side, and it’s really, really heartbreaking,” he said. “This is tragic, and it’s got to change.”

In conclusion, Oregon’s experiment with drug decriminalization has led to a devastating opioid crisis. The law, initially passed with the hope of treating addiction through health care services, has instead resulted in an alarming increase in opioid-related deaths. It’s clear that something different must be done to address this escalating crisis.