Drug Treatment and Decriminalization Initiative Qualified for Oregon Ballot

Measure 110 would reduce disparities in drug arrests by 95%

(SALEM, Ore.) - Oregon law enforcement arrested 8,903 people last year in cases where drugs were the most serious offense. That’s like arresting one person every hour. Black, Indigenous and people of color were disproportionately affected.

Measure 110 is designed to establish a more humane, equitable and effective approach to drugs in Oregon.

It expands access to drug addiction treatment, paid for with help from marijuana tax revenue.

As part of a shift to a health-based approach to addiction, Measure 110 reduces criminal penalties for drug possession. It does not legalize any drug.

Measure 110 would reduce disparities in drug arrests by 95%, according to a report released by the Oregon Secretary of State.

The Oregon Secretary of State officially certified Measure 110 as a ballot measure last week.

The 90-second spot, “Stop ruining lives and start saving them,” features campaign community organizer Bobby Byrd, who was convicted for a drug offense over 26 years ago. As a result, Byrd has struggled to find jobs and housing because of his criminal record.

“Our current drug laws can ruin lives based on a single accusation,” Byrd said of the video.

“My criminal record still makes it hard to get housing and a permanent job. We need to change this now.”

The campaign for Measure 110 has been endorsed by more than 80 organizations, including AFSCME, the union that represents corrections officers; the Coalition of Communities of Color, which represents 19 culturally-specific community-based organizations; and the Alano Club, the oldest and largest recovery support organization in Oregon.

WATCH THE MEASURE 110 VIDEO: