Drug Policy in the News

Oregon lawmakers pass bill to recriminalize drugs

NEWS | MARCH 2, 2024

Link to article: Oregon lawmakers pass bill to recriminalize drug possession | AP News

The Oregon Legislature passed House Bill 4002, aiming to recriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs, marking a significant shift from the state's pioneering drug decriminalization law. The bill, endorsed by the Senate in a 21-8 vote following the House's 51-7 approval, awaits Governor Tina Kotek's signature. It introduces misdemeanors for drug possession, offering police increased authority to confiscate drugs and crack down on their public use, while prioritizing drug treatment as an alternative to criminal penalties. Additionally, the bill seeks to streamline the prosecution of drug sales and improve access to addiction medication and housing.

The move to rollback decriminalization comes amidst Oregon's severe overdose crisis, prompting scrutiny over the effectiveness of Ballot Measure 110, passed in 2020. Despite intentions to redirect marijuana tax revenues into treatment programs, an audit revealed deficiencies in Oregon's care network, exacerbating the state's overdose crisis. Critics of House Bill 4002, including Democratic Senator Lew Frederick, express concerns over its potential to perpetuate failed punitive approaches to drug use and exacerbate racial disparities in the criminal justice system. Proponents argue that the measure marks a necessary step towards addressing Oregon's escalating overdose fatalities.

BC Supreme Court upholds temporary injunction on public drug-use law

NEWS | MARCH 3, 2024

Link to article: B.C. top court upholds pause on law banning public drug use (msn.com)

British Columbia's top court has denied the province's appeal to lift a pause on a law restricting illicit substance use in public spaces, following a legal challenge by drug user advocates. The Court of Appeal's decision upheld a three-month temporary injunction against enforcing the Restricting Public Consumption of Illegal Substances Act, which aims to curb drug use in public areas. Despite the ministry's disappointment with the ruling, BC remains committed to defending the legislation, emphasizing its aim to provide services for drug users while ensuring public safety. Critics argue that the law poses risks to individuals who use drugs and infringes on their constitutional rights.

The Supreme Court case, brought by the Harm Reduction Nurses Association (HRNA), highlights concerns that banning substance use in public spaces could lead to more fatalities among drug users. The HRNA argues that such laws may push individuals into isolated drug use, increasing the risk of overdose deaths. While acknowledging public apprehension about visible substance use, critics stress the importance of addressing drug addiction as a healthcare issue rather than a criminal one. The legal battle underscores ongoing debates over drug policy as BC continues to grapple with a public health emergency exacerbated by drug-related deaths and homelessness.

United States war on drugs causing Latin American genocide

NEWS | MARCH 1, 2024

Link to article: US anti-drug policies caused Latin American 'genocide': Petro (yahoo.com)

Colombia's President Gustavo Petro denounced US anti-drug policies as responsible for a "genocide" of Latin Americans during a meeting of regional leaders in St Vincent and the Grenadines. Petro criticized the US for prioritizing "repression" over "prevention and public health," leading to dramatic failures in drug strategy.

The summit, attended by leftist leaders like Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro, highlighted tensions between differing political ideologies, with right-wing-led countries sending lower-level representatives. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres commended the region's peace efforts but expressed concerns over escalating violence in Ecuador and called for aid to Haiti amidst increasing conflict with armed gangs.

Ottawa rejects Albert’s request for a system to track drug diversion

NEWS | FEBRUARY 28, 2024

Link to article: Ottawa rejects Alberta's request to introduce new tracking for 'safer supply' drugs (msn.com)

The federal Liberal government rejected Alberta's proposal to incorporate a "unique chemical identifier" into pharmaceutical alternatives offered to drug users as a solution to street drugs. While acknowledging concerns about the diversion of pharmaceuticals to the illicit market, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Ya'ara Saks cited practical challenges with the proposal in her response to Alberta's Health Minister Dan Williams. Critics, including addiction specialists, have urged the government to reconsider support for programs providing pharmaceutical alternatives amidst Canada's overdose crisis, primarily fueled by a toxic drug supply, with fentanyl being a major contributor.

Safer-supply programs pioneered in British Columbia and expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic have faced criticism for potential diversion issues, highlighted by BC’s Provincial Health Officer. While Alberta focuses on recovery options rather than pharmaceutical alternatives, Alberta’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions proposed adding a chemical identifier to track drug origin, a suggestion met with skepticism by Saks. Despite ongoing debates and criticisms, Saks maintains the federal government's commitment to addressing misconceptions around safer-supply programs, emphasizing their limited scope and stringent protocols.

That’s it for this week’s newsletter!

👋 Mel, Policy on Drugs

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