Oregon Measure 110

Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative (2020)

What Is It?

This measure will make personal non-commercial possession of a controlled substance no more than a Class E violation (max fine of $100 fine) and establishing a drug addiction treatment and recovery program funded in part by the state’s marijuana tax revenue and state prison savings.

Currently, the maximum penalty for personal non-commercial possession of drugs like heroin, cocaine, and meth is a Class A misdemeanor of one year in prison and a $6,250 fine. Measure 109 will lower it to a Class E which will mean no prison time and a max fine of $100.

One of the groups in support of this measure is the Democratic Party of Oregon while one of the groups in opposition to this measure is the Oregon Association Chiefs of Police.

Oregon Measure 109

Psilocybin Mushroom Services Program Initiative (2020)

What Is It?

This measure supports authorizing the Oregon Health Authority (OHA) to create a program to permit licensed service providers to administer psilocybin-producing mushroom and fungi products to individuals 21 years of age or older.

 

What are psilocybin-producing mushrooms?

Psilocybin mushrooms, commonly known as magic mushrooms or shrooms, are a polyphyletic, informal group of fungi that contain psilocybin and psilocin.

 

The program would be available to individuals 21 years of age or older. The initiative authorizes the OHA not to require a client to be diagnosed with or have any particular medical condition to receive psilocybin services. Psilocybin service centers are not classified as healthcare facilities. To apply for a service center operator license, applicants must be over 21 years of age and provide proof of Oregon residence for the last two years. Measure 109 prohibits the OHA from requiring facilitators to have a degree from a post-secondary institution or college.

Tax Implications:

Measure 109 imposes a 15% sales tax on psilocybin products purchased and consumed at psilocybin service centers. The measure requires that the revenue in the Oregon Psilocybin Account be transferred quarterly to the Psilocybin Control and Regulation Fund for the use of the OHA to enforce the provisions of the initiative, including regulating psilocybin services and compensating the Oregon Psilocybin Advisory Board.

Oregon Measure 108

Tobacco and E-Cigarette Tax Increase for Health Programs Measure (2020)

What Is It?

It increases taxes on tobacco products and inhalant delivery systems (such as e-cigarettes) at the following rates:

• cigarette tax at 16.65 cents per cigarette, which is an increase from $1.33 to $3.33 per 20-pack of cigarettes;
• e-cigarettes and other nicotine inhalants at a rate of 65% of the wholesale sales price; and
• cigar tax cap of 65% of the wholesale sales price, not to exceed $1.00 per cigar, an increase from $0.50.

Under the ballot measure, revenues would first be dedicated to the administration and enforcement of the tax. The remaining revenue would be dedicated to the Oregon Health Authority for medical and healthcare-assistance programs, including mental health services, tribal health providers, including Urban Indian Health Program, and other programs concerning tobacco and nicotine health issues.