I SUBMITTED a proposal on Oregon and the Portuguese model of drug decriminalization to a certain Major Mainstream Media Newspaper in New York. The editor returned it with a question: sure, but how are you going to tell the story?
Help me answer his question. Here’s what I proposed.
I described Oregonians on their recent policy visit to Portugal;
….arguing about whether to repeal Measure 110, or fix it, and Republicans have already put both approaches on the ballot for next year. Fixes include restoring penalties for open drug use, allowing police to enforce public safety interests, and overturning state court rulings that make it almost impossible to prosecute drug trafficking and car theft. Critically, however, Oregon’s legislature meets for only one very brief session next year, so no substantive change will happen until 2025. That’s probably good, because decriminalization takes time.
I go on to describe the 20-year investment Portugal made, adding:
….it is not possible to directly import the Portugal model. America’s culture is more punitive (addicts should “hit rock bottom,” a state rep from Grants Pass told me). And Portugal’s system of voluntary treatment and collaborating with police is not likely to translate in a confrontational and heavily-armed America. What does work is Portugal’s pragmatic, patient approach to harm reduction. Needle exchanges lowered HIV and Hep C in addicts, saving the state money and improving their outcomes. At one consumption space in Lisbon—a legal shooting gallery—there has never been an overdose death in ten years, thanks to trained staff, and public drug use and discarded needles have almost disappeared from the surrounding neighborhood.
Oregon has started with some small steps, I say;
a 50% across-the-board rise in all outreach and treatment programs. Oregon has revamped its health system, including 2,100 extra hospital beds for the mentally ill. Portland is cleaner, with quality-of-life estimates rising for 22 months straight. Murder is down 25% over last year.
How should I tell this story? Is it about the politics of reform? The disorder in the streets? The story of one addict, or my most local shelter? I need pushback on my ideas, so give it to me straight.