The Data for Progress survey found that the measure that decriminalized possession of small amounts of hard drugs is still supported by Oregonians. Meth and opioid use are the leading cause of overdoses in rural Oregon, according to an August study by the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Overdose deaths in Oregon caused by the synthetic opioid fentanyl have exploded since 2019 – from 70 deaths that year to 510 in 2021, according to the Oregon Health Authority. ddiction remains a crisis in Oregon. A study by the Department of Health and Human Services found that in 2021, Oregon ranked first in the nation in illicit drug use.
The Data for Progress survey also found that more voters believe drug addiction is best addressed through the public health system and not the criminal justice system, or 72% compared to 24%. The final question asked voters whether they believe Measure 110 is responsible for increased crime and homeless.
A total of 69% of respondents said increased crime and homelessness stems from poverty, lack of affordable housing and lack of mental health care while 28% said it was due to a lack of arrests.
Respondents were also polled on the individual provisions of Measure 110. All components were selected as at least “somewhat popular” with a majority of respondents. Two candidates running for governor in Oregon support repealing the law.
