Oregon could become first US state to decriminalise hard drugs
Small amounts of hard drugs like cocaine, heroin, meth and LSD could soon be decriminalised in Oregon, with the state's constituents voting on ballot measure in the US Election.
Measure 110 would drastically change how Oregon's justice system treats people caught with illegal substances for their personal use.
People prepare to march on the night of the election, in Portland, Oregon AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez
For the first time in the US, users would have the option of paying a $100 fine or attending a free addiction recovery center instead of being arrested and put on trial.
Orgegon was also the first state to legalise marijuana possession and would fund the recovery centres from tax revenue generated by sales of the drug.
Small amounts of hard drugs could be decriminalised in Oregon AP
According to the United Nations, countries including Portugal, the Netherlands and Switzerland have already decriminalised possession of small amounts of hard drugs.
Supporters of decriminalisation argue that drug misuse and addiction are public health issues and not problems for the justice system.
Opponents say who urged a no vote say the measure recklessly decriminalises possession of dangerous drugs.
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