On Monday, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek signed House Bill 4002, re-criminalizing the possession of hard drugs in the state and expanding treatment options for those suffering from substance abuse disorders.
The move comes amid an opioid crisis that many have argued has been exacerbated by the lack of legal ramifications for users.
According to Oregon Public Broadcasting, the bill comes into effect on September 1. After that, anyone caught with small amounts of cocaine, fentanyl, methamphetamines, or other similar substances will be charged with a misdemeanor.
Possession was decriminalized in the state in 2020 after voters passed Ballot Measure 110.
