Two Thirds of Voters Want to Repeal Some or All of Controversial Measure That has Led to Increased Drug Use
(WASHINGTON, DC) – A new poll finds that a strong majority of Oregonians support repealing controversial Measure 110, the ballot initiative that decriminalized, and essentially legalized possession of, drugs like fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.
The poll, commissioned by the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS), was conducted by the respected Emerson College Polling organization. It found that 56 percent of Oregonians wanted Measure 110 repealed outright, and that 64 percent wanted at least some parts of the measure repealed. Half of voters also thought the measure makes the community less safe, and more than 50 percent of respondents felt Measure 110 has increased homelessness in the state.
“Oregonians were sold a narrative by those looking to expand addiction in the name of ‘bodily autonomy’ and addiction-for-profit. Now, two years into their new reality, it’s clear residents are waking up to the impact these drugs are having on their communities. Oregon Democrats and Republicans agree: the public health and safety risks associated with drug prevalence and the impact on people’s quality mean Measure 110’s days are numbered,” said FDPS President Dr. Kevin Sabet, a former drug policy advisor to Presidents Obama, Bush and Clinton.
Key findings for the poll taken August 8-9 of 1,000 respondents showed that nearly 60 percent believe Oregon is on the wrong track, 64 percent believe that penalties should be brought back for possession of small amounts of hard drugs, half believe it has made the state less safe, and a majority believe it has increased homelessness.
“The data shows Oregon has the worst rate of illicit drug use disorders in the nation. It is clear that voters want to take the state in a different direction,” Sabet said.
“Drug Policy Alliance and their allies in the addiction-for-profit industry have spun a narrative that making drugs legal will improve people’s lives but the data and the science shows that’s not the reality. They trumpeted efforts to connect more individuals to treatment, but the data shows fewer than one percent of individuals have entered treatment since Measure 110, while use is increasing,” he continued.
According to the public health records, opioid deaths in Oregon have increased, outpacing the national average and the state now has the nation’s highest rates of methamphetamine use and pain medication abuse.
“The consequences of allowing more drugs into Oregon communities are being seen first-hand by voters who clearly have buyer’s remorse. It’s time for political leaders in both parties to look at the facts and the science, recognize that Measure 110 has failed and enact necessary reforms to improve everyone’s quality of life,” Sabet said.