In 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 110, which decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs and redirected cannabis taxes to fund drug treatment programs. Since then, Oregonians have continued to report that crime is increasing and remain concerned about the prevalence of drug addiction and overdoses in their communities.
In April 2023, DHM Research asked Oregon voters about repealing portions of Measure 110 to bring back criminal penalties for drug possession, while continuing to use cannabis taxes to fund drug treatment programs. Key findings from the survey include:
- A majority of Oregon voters think that Measure 110 has been bad for Oregon
- More than 6 in 10 voters think that Measure 110 has made drug addiction, homelessness, and crime worse
- 63% of voters support bringing back criminal penalties for drug possession while continuing to use cannabis taxes to fund drug treatment programs
- Voters become more supportive of bringing back criminal penalties for drug possession when hearing about the state’s struggles standing-up treatment programs
- More voters believe that the root cause of homelessness is drug addiction and mental health problems rather than a lack of access to affordable housing
See more findings, including demographic breakdowns, in the presentation.