What Is 2020 Oregon Ballot Measure 110

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: Oregon Ballot Measure 110, passed in November 2020, decriminalized the possession of small amounts of all drugs and redirected marijuana tax revenue to fund addiction treatment and recovery services starting in 2021.

Key Facts

Measure 110 passed on November 3, 2020, with approximately 58% of the vote
Personal possession of any drug, including heroin and meth, became a civil violation punishable by a $100 fine or health assessment
Instead of jail, individuals receive a citation and referral to a health assessment
Up to $100 million annually from cannabis tax revenue is allocated to treatment and recovery services
Measure 110 made Oregon the first U.S. state to decriminalize all drug possession

Overview

Approved by voters in November 2020, Oregon Ballot Measure 110 marked a groundbreaking shift in U.S. drug policy by decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of all drugs. The measure reclassified possession of controlled substances—including heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and oxycodone—as a Class E violation, the lowest level of infraction under state law.

Instead of facing criminal charges, individuals found with small quantities of drugs are issued a $100 fine that can be waived if they complete a health assessment within 120 days. The initiative reflects a public health-centered approach, aiming to reduce incarceration and expand access to treatment and recovery services across Oregon.

Effective Date: Measure 110 took effect on February 1, 2021, immediately changing how law enforcement handles minor drug possession cases
Drugs Covered: The law applies to all controlled substances listed under Oregon law, including Schedule I drugs like heroin and LSD
Funding Mechanism: The measure redirects a portion of marijuana tax revenue—up to $100 million per year—to fund addiction treatment and recovery programs
Health Assessment: Individuals cited under Measure 110 are referred to a screening service that connects them to evidence-based treatment options
Law Enforcement Role: Police no longer make arrests for personal drug possession but instead issue citations similar to traffic tickets

How It Works

Measure 110 replaces criminal penalties for drug possession with a public health intervention model that emphasizes treatment over punishment. The system operates through citations, health assessments, and state-funded service expansion.

Violation Level: Possession of small amounts of any drug is now a Class E violation, equivalent to a minor traffic infraction, not a criminal offense
Citation Process: Officers issue a $100 fine that can be avoided entirely by completing a health assessment at an approved screening site within 120 days
Assessment Requirement: The health screening evaluates substance use and connects individuals to services such as detox, counseling, or housing assistance
Funding Source: The Oregon Health Authority receives up to $100 million annually from marijuana tax revenue to expand treatment infrastructure
Service Expansion: Funds support mobile crisis units, peer support workers, and culturally specific recovery programs, especially in underserved communities
Implementation Oversight: The Addiction and Recovery Services Account, managed by the state, ensures funds are distributed to qualified providers by 2022

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of Oregon’s pre-2020 drug policy and the changes introduced by Measure 110.

Aspect	Before Measure 110	After Measure 110
Legal Status of Possession	Criminal misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail	Civil violation with $100 fine or health assessment
Enforcement Approach	Arrests and court processing common	Citations and referrals to services
Penalties	Fines, probation, or incarceration	No jail; fine waivable via health screening
Funding for Treatment	General state budget allocations	Dedicated $100 million/year from cannabis taxes
Public Health Focus	Minimal integration with healthcare systems	Formalized referral pathways and statewide access

This shift positions Oregon as a national leader in harm reduction. While critics raised concerns about potential increases in drug use, early data from 2022–2023 showed no significant rise in overdose deaths directly attributable to the policy. Instead, thousands of individuals accessed treatment who previously would have been incarcerated.

Why It Matters

Measure 110 represents a fundamental rethinking of how society addresses substance use, treating it as a health issue rather than a criminal one. Its implications extend beyond Oregon, influencing national debates on drug policy reform.

Historic Precedent: Oregon became the first U.S. state to decriminalize all drug possession, setting a model for other states considering similar reforms
Reduced Racial Disparities: Data shows Black and Indigenous individuals were disproportionately arrested for drug crimes; decriminalization aims to correct this imbalance
Cost Savings: The state saves an estimated $15–$20 million annually in law enforcement and incarceration costs
Expanded Access: Over 40 new treatment and recovery centers opened statewide by 2023 due to new funding
Policy Influence: Cities like Philadelphia and states such as California have explored similar public health-focused drug policies
Ongoing Challenges: Implementation faced delays, and some counties reported uneven access to screening services in rural areas

While Measure 110 is not legalization, it signals a major policy evolution. Its long-term success will depend on sustained funding, equitable service delivery, and measurable improvements in public health outcomes.