Oregon decriminalizes possession of hard drugs, as four other states legalize recreational marijuana

November 4, 2020More than 5 years ago

Oregon decriminalizes the possession of small amounts of hard drugs while four other states legalize marijuana. (Video: The Washington Post)

By Cleve R. Wootson Jr.

and

Jaclyn Peiser

PORTLAND, Ore. — The epiphany came in 2009, as Hubert Matthews prepared to spend another night on Portland’s streets.

For two decades he had been using drugs, then committing crimes to get more. He wanted out, but he saw no easy escape. His frequent use made him an easy target for police, leaving him a homeless, middle-aged man trapped by his addiction and the laws he broke to feed it.

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