Should we follow the lead of a Canadian province and Oregon to decriminalize heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and other hard drugs?
British Columbia is trying a three-year plan where these drugs will still be illegal but any adult carrying less than 2.5 grams will not be arrested, charged or even have the drugs confiscated.
People found to have this amount or less of drugs on them will be given resources for help instead.
"Decriminalizing people who use drugs breaks down the fear and shame associated with substance use and ensures they feel safer reaching out for life-saving supports," said Jennifer Whiteside, the British Columbia minister for mental health and addictions.
The sale of drugs remains illegal, as well as possession on school grounds, childcare facilities and airports.
Oregon is already more than two years into its own experiment, after voters passed Measure 110 in 2020, which decriminalized the possession for personal use of small amounts of all drugs, including cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine, and oxycodone.
In Oregon, possession of controlled substances is now a Class E “violation,” which instead of a felony or misdemeanor, carries a maximum $100 fine.
The penalty can be waived if the person calls a hotline for a health assessment which can lead to addiction counseling and other services.
The decriminalization also automatically creates savings from reductions in arrests, jail time and probation supervision.
Tens of millions of dollars have also spent on Naloxone, syringe programs, recovery housing, vehicles and staff for care centers.
Outside of the Americas, Portugal decriminalized drug possession in 2000.
The European country’s approach is more aggressive though, with fines, travel restrictions, seizures and community work applied to those who are caught with drugs.
With a Republican governor in power, any Nevada effort would probably be vetoed, but it’s something to consider. In 2020, Nevada was one of 28 states placed on “red alert” status for increased risk of death from overdoses from opioids and other drugs, with the fentanyl and methamphetamine crisis tragically well documented in Reno and its surrounding areas.