A Closer Look at the Dark Side of Drug Decriminalization: Lessons from California and Oregon

The Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (STF) has voted to decriminalize the possession of marijuana for personal use, sparking concerns about potential consequences. However, by looking at the United States, specifically California and Oregon, we can gain insight into the negative impacts of similar policies.

In Oregon, drug decriminalization began in 2020 with Measure 110. The focus was on treating users instead of punitive measures, but this policy has led to serious problems. There has been an increase in homelessness, businesses have left cities, and record numbers of homicides have been reported. Additionally, the rapid spread of fentanyl and a rise in drug consumption and overdose deaths have also occurred. Recent data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed a 41.6% increase in drug overdose deaths in Oregon between the end of 2022 and September 2023. A study by the Brewer City Police Department in Maine also highlighted the negative impact of drug decriminalization in Oregon, with increases in violent crimes, property crimes, and drug overdoses.

California legalized marijuana in 2016 but instead of declining as expected, an illegal marijuana market flourished. Efforts to combat this trend were insufficient and now the underground market surpasses the legal one in California. This has led to increased violent crimes including homicides especially rural areas. Moreover, California has become a major exporter of illegal marijuana to states where it is not yet legal attracting attention from drug cartels and criminal networks.

These experiences show that policymakers need to carefully consider the implications and consequences of such measures before making any decisions to mitigate negative impacts on society.

The Brazilian Federal Supreme Court (STF) must take note of these examples as they form a majority to decriminalize marijuana for personal use this Tuesday (25). Decriminalizing drugs may seem like a good idea on paper but it can lead to serious problems if not implemented properly or if policymakers do not carefully consider its implications.

It is important for Brazilian policymakers to learn from these examples so that they can make informed decisions about how to handle marijuana decriminalization within their country’s borders while minimizing any potential harm it may cause.

In conclusion, while decriminalizing drugs may seem like a progressive step towards treating users instead of punishing them; it is important to carefully consider its implications before implementing such policies as seen by California and Oregon’s experiences with similar policies that resulted in an increase in violent crimes