5 States Vote to Decriminalize Recreational Drugs

As Americans cast their ballot for the next President, many voters had their say on fighting the war on drugs.

In an effort to reform the criminal justice system, lawmakers have suggested a public health focused approach to substance use.

After Tuesday’s election Oregon became the first U.S. State to decriminalize the possession of hard drugs including heroin, cocaine and LSD.

Instead of jail time, people who have or use the drugs are subject to a $100 fine, which will be used to fund treatment.

Oregon also legalized Magic Mushrooms on Tuesday. Weed has been legal there since 2014.

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse, 55 million American adults currently use marijuana and more than half of people in this country say it’s socially acceptable. However week accounts for 40% of all drug arrests.

This week, voters in Arizona, Montana, South Dakota and New Jersey approved propositions to legalize recreational marijuana.

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