Oregon made national headlines when voters passed Measure 110, a law that changed how the state handles small-scale drug possession. Instead of treating certain drug offenses as crimes, Oregon now treats many of them as civil violations. Understanding how Measure 110 affects misdemeanor drug charges can help you see what to expect if you or someone you know faces a low-level possession charge.
What Measure 110 changed
Before Measure 110, people caught with small amounts of drugs could face misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the substance and quantity. These charges often led to arrest, jail time, and a criminal record. Measure 110 reduced possession of small amounts of certain controlled substances to a civil violation—similar to a traffic ticket—instead of a criminal offense. The new approach focuses on health and treatment instead of punishment.
How citations work under Measure 110
Under the new law, police issue a citation for minor possession instead of making an arrest. The person must pay a $100 fine or complete a health assessment through an addiction recovery center. Completing the assessment waives the fine and avoids a criminal record. While this change reduces the risk of jail time, ignoring the citation can still result in collection actions or other legal issues.
What Measure 110 did not change
Measure 110 does not affect charges for drug manufacturing, distribution, or possession of large quantities. These remain criminal offenses with serious penalties. It also does not apply to driving under the influence of drugs or other related crimes. The law only applies to personal-use possession of specific controlled substances under certain weight limits.
How the law affects future opportunities
By removing criminal penalties for minor possession, Measure 110 helps people avoid long-term consequences like employment barriers or housing denials. Instead, it encourages connection to recovery services. However, repeat offenses or possession of larger amounts can still lead to criminal charges, so understanding the limits of the law is important.