Portland City Council has approved a ban on hard drug use in public areas, pending state approval.
The Portland City Council Takes Action Against Rampant Drug Use
The Portland City Council has made a bold move to address the rampant open-air drug use that has been plaguing the city’s streets. In a unanimous 5-0 vote, the council passed a ban on using hard drugs on public property.
This emergency ordinance not only prohibits the use of hard drugs like fentanyl, heroin, and meth on public property, but it also attaches criminal penalties to drug use in these areas. Offenders could face up to six months in jail or a $500 fine.
“These are necessary, common-sense steps to disrupt debilitating drug use on the streets of Portland that does deep damage to our city’s livability, overwhelms our emergency response system, and destroys lives,” said Commissioner Rene Gonzalez.
However, for the ban to go into effect, Oregon state lawmakers would need to pass a law allowing cities to crack down on public drug use. This is because in 2020, Oregon voters approved a ballot measure that decriminalized public drug use, a decision that many now regret.
Measure 110, which took effect in early 2021, decriminalized the possession of small amounts of hard drugs, making it punishable only by a maximum fine of $100. But according to a survey from DMH Research, more than 6 in 10 voters now believe that decriminalization has worsened drug addiction, homelessness, and crime in Oregon.
Mayor Ted Wheeler, a Democrat, stressed the urgency of Portland’s drug addiction crisis during the council meeting, stating, “Week by week, the situation is getting worse. We have to focus with urgency to save lives and livelihoods.”
The need for action is evident as fatal overdoses have skyrocketed in the Portland area in recent years. Last year alone, there were a record 209 fentanyl deaths in Multnomah County, which includes Portland. Fatal overdoses from opioids have increased fivefold between 2018 and last year.
With the support of almost every resident who spoke at the City Council meeting, the ban on public use of hard drugs has gained widespread approval. It is worth noting that while hard drugs are now banned on public property, beer and marijuana remain illegal to consume in these areas as well.
In addition to the ban, the City Council has also unanimously approved a resolution requesting changes to state law to align the rules on public consumption of drugs with existing regulations governing alcohol and cannabis.
Portland’s Image Takes a Hit
Unfortunately, the scenes of open-air drug use and homelessness in Portland have tarnished the city’s once-thriving image. The city is now being rebranded as decrepit and unsafe, with harrowing reports continuing to emerge.
Portland is not alone in facing these challenges. Other cities in California, such as San Francisco, have also struggled with homelessness, drug use, and rising crime. Businesses have even abandoned downtown areas due to the prevalence of open-air drug use.
The Portland City Council’s ban on public drug use is a crucial step towards reclaiming the city’s livability and ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents. It remains to be seen whether Oregon state lawmakers will support this initiative and allow cities to crack down on drug use in public areas.
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