The state of Oregon just decriminalized the possession of small amounts of drugs. Selling and distribution is still a crime but the users holding small amounts are subject to a $100 fine. More legislation is coming for additional drugs that may help depression like magic mushrooms.

Being the 1st state to do so will make it a case study for addiction studies. Money spent on prisons and law efforts for minor drug offenders will be funneled into addiction recovery programs. Supervised injection and use is supposed to aid in the efforts to get users into addiction treatment and off the drugs.

Not sure this will work when there is no penalty to drugs use. Officials will be looking at the crime rate and home robberies and other statics to see if the program is working toward the betterment of society or its downfall.