MEDFORD, Ore -- Some Medford health officials say they're pleased that voters approved Measure 110, which reclassifies possession of small amounts of certain drugs as a civil violation.
Oregon has become the first state in the U.S. to decriminalize drug possession.
The measure focuses on a health-based, treatment-over-punishment approach to dealing with addiction. It will allow people to pay a fine or have it waived by participating in a health assessment.
Lauri Hoagland, a family nurse practitioner and health treatment provider at La Clinica, says this is a step in the right direction for Oregonians.
“I think that every patient that has a struggle with addiction is impacting a family and a community around them," Hoagland said. "So, I do think this will have a wonderful effect in Oregon.”
Selling and manufacturing drugs will remain illegal.
The state will establish a drug addiction treatment program funded by its marijuana tax revenue.
