On February 1, 2021, the state of Oregon put into effect the historic Ballot Measure 110, also known as the Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative. Measure 110 makes Oregon the first state to decriminalize the possession of specified quantities of formerly illegal drugs including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and Oxycodone; it also lessens the punishment for possession of larger quantities than those legalized by the measure. Most importantly, Measure 110 requires the state of Oregon to institute several programs aimed at aid and recovery. This implementation of Measure 110 marks a significant step forward in the outlook on drug control policy, as it reframes substance abuse as a public health issue instead of a criminal justice one.

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