James Lambert
Oregon becomes the first state to decriminalize the possession of hard drugs
FacebookTwitter
By James Lambert
February 17, 2021

Last November, voters in the state of Oregon passed an legal initiative that effectively decriminalizes personal possession of hard drugs. This new law in Oregon went into effect on February 1st of 2021. This new law pertains to a ‘small’ personal possession of a variety of formerly illegal drugs including heroin, LSD and cocaine.

As a former student and graduate from a small college in Oregon, I am deeply saddened by the passing of this initiative. This new measure will certainly encourage young people in that state to either continuing using hard drugs or to try using them for the first time. With young people and other older potential drug users, any concern or fear of breaking the law has been taken away,

With these hard drugs being much more potent than they were in the 1970s, it is very unfortunate that this law passed. Apparently over 56% of the voters in the state of Oregon voted for this initiative last November.

As I look back I know of at least 4 people whom I once attended school with who died from excessive drug use. I also know of others where their personal drug use affected their lives ‘for the worse.’ All you have to do is look at the national statistics. According to the CDC there were over 81,000 hard drug related deaths in the United States from June 2019 to June 2020.

The opponents of last November’s initiative made a strong case that this initiative would lead to more people using drugs. Sadly, voters throughout the state of Oregon didn’t listen. Clearly this new law (legalization of hard drugs) is a danger that ultimately could negatively affect other states in the future if they too enact a similar initiative.

© James Lambert

 

The views expressed by RenewAmerica columnists are their own and do not necessarily reflect the position of RenewAmerica or its affiliates.
(See RenewAmerica's publishing standards.)

Click to enlarge

James Lambert

James Lambert has a broad business background. After receiving his undergraduate degree from Linfield College (McMinnville, Oregon), Lambert pursued a career in banking by working in various management capacities for Crocker Bank, San Diego Trust & Savings Bank, and First Interstate Bank (between 1973 and 1995). By 1990 Lambert received his Master in Business Administration from National University (San Diego). For 3 years, Lambert also taught Finance at Mira Costa Community College... (more)

Subscribe

Receive future articles by James Lambert: Click here

More by this author

May 14, 2025
We can thank Dems' policies for giving CA the highest gas prices in the U.S.


April 23, 2025
How God touched the life of President Eisenhower & how that made a difference for our country


February 8, 2025
The federal cost of government – It is way too high, something Trump is exposing


June 17, 2024
Illegal alien entry through California border has dramatically increased of late


March 19, 2024
It’s time to get a Republican (like Steve Garvey) elected to the U.S. Senate in CA. It’s been 30 years!


January 28, 2024
Summer Camps are usually a very good experience for young boys & girls


January 9, 2024
U.S. federal debt is a serious impending national problem


December 18, 2023
Economic Disaster: Democrats are determined to end sale of new gas-powered autos by 2034


September 24, 2023
Why illegal immigration negatively affects our country


August 14, 2023
Remembering a nice friend from my teen days who sadly passed away recently


More articles

 

Stephen Stone
HAPPY EASTER: A message to all who love our country and want to help save it

Stephen Stone
The most egregious lies Evan McMullin and the media have told about Sen. Mike Lee

Siena Hoefling
Protect the Children: Update with VIDEO

Stephen Stone
FLASHBACK to 2020: Dems' fake claim that Trump and Utah congressional hopeful Burgess Owens want 'renewed nuclear testing' blows up when examined

Tom DeWeese
More and more states are being threatened with carbon capture pipelines

Rev. Mark H. Creech
Theology of a broken shoulder: Admonishment and advice for church leaders

Jerry Newcombe
Don’t underestimate Christian media

Cliff Kincaid
The Saudis (and The Supremes) are not our friends

Steve A. Stone
The Slow Coup, Part 14

Pete Riehm
Alabama needs a better brand of Republicans

James Lambert
We can thank Dems' policies for giving CA the highest gas prices in the U.S.

Cherie Zaslawsky
Trump’s first 100 days: A gold standard for the history books

Cliff Kincaid
'We have a pope,' and he’s another leftist

Marsha West
Knowing the will of God isn’t a deep dark secret

Steve A. Stone
Are we going to fail to be great again?

Rev. Mark H. Creech
Pray: Return America’s watchlist after Crossover
  More columns

Cartoons


Click for full cartoon
More cartoons

Columnists

Matt C. Abbott
Chris Adamo
Russ J. Alan
Bonnie Alba
Chuck Baldwin
Kevin J. Banet
J. Matt Barber
Fr. Tom Bartolomeo
. . .
[See more]

Sister sites