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Dear Friend,

I wanted to share my op-ed published today in The Wall Street Journal titled “Oregon Makes a U-Turn on Drug Decriminalization ([link removed]) .” This offers a critical examination of Oregon's recent experiment with drug decriminalization. In the piece, I shed light on the unintended consequences of Measure 110, highlighting its failure to address the complexities of addiction effectively.

Through firsthand accounts and statistical evidence, I illustrate how the state's laissez-faire approach led to a surge in drug-related issues, exacerbating the crisis rather than alleviating it. I argue for a more comprehensive strategy that combines public health initiatives with accountability measures to tackle substance abuse effectively.

Take a moment to read the full article ([link removed]) for a nuanced understanding of this pressing issue and the proposed legislative changes aimed at rectifying the situation.

Here is an excerpt from the piece: ([link removed])
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“When Gil Kerlikowske, my then-boss and the Obama administration’s newly minted drug czar, announced an end to the war on drugs in May 2009, U.S. drug policy took a more humanitarian, public health-centered approach. Stigmatizing drug users was counterproductive, we reasoned, blocking paths to recovery. At the same time, we were careful not to normalize or legalize drugs. We recognized that making drugs more accessible would be a disaster. It was a balancing act.


Oregon threw that out the window in 2020 when, encouraged by deep-pocketed interest groups, voters approved a ballot measure that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of hard drugs including heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, and removed any incentive for treatment. Now, in an about-face, the state is poised to reverse this laissez-faire drug policy with a vengeance. Oregon’s liberal governor, Tina Kotek, is expected imminently to sign bipartisan legislation repealing Measure 110, the ill-conceived ballot initiative.


Oregon’s experiment was a disaster. The state gave people found in possession of illegal drugs a few choices: appear in court and plead not guilty; pay a fine of $100; ask the court to reduce your fine; or simply call a health-assessment hotline to have the penalty waived. But if someone took none of these actions, there was no consequence. Measure 110 essentially made drug use a penalty-free behavior. Open-air drug dealing and use became the norm, frustrating local officials including Portland’s mayor, as there was little anyone could do. Oregon in 2021-22 had the highest rate of residents reporting past-month use of illicit drugs—not including marijuana—of any state in the U.S., though it came second if you count the District of Columbia.”

Click here to read the rest of the article in The Wall Street Journal. ([link removed])

If you do not have a subscription to The Wall Street Journal, please click here to view a PDF of this article. ([link removed])
Read the WSJ article authored by FDPS CEO Kevin Sabet ([link removed])

Being able to amplify our work in notable media outlets like this speaks volumes to the influence of our movement. Thanks to your generous support, ([link removed]) we can continue our work advocating against laws like Measure 110 and instead enact policies that will create healthier, safer communities.

Please consider chipping in today to help further our cause. ([link removed])

No matter the amount, your gift will help us stand against normalizing drug use. ([link removed])
Give to the work of FDPS ([link removed])

Thank you for your support.

Best regards,

Dr. Kevin Sabet

CEO and President

Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions
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The Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions ([link removed]) (FDPS) is a national drug policy think/action tank whose vision is a world in which children and families thrive, substance use is prevented, and there is rapid access to quality treatment. From prevention and recovery to smart law enforcement and better international cooperation, we are working to change the face of drug policy. Too many people are losing their lives to addiction. It is time for big change.

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