This measure's history is as long as a Rastafarian's dreadlocks and just as twisted. Twenty-five years ago, Oregon was the second state in the nation to decriminalize possession of small amounts of pot. Last session, the Legislature suddenly started worrying about it. Hence we are forced to wade into a silly debate that was resolved a quarter of a century ago. They could also be incarcerated, but that's highly unlikely.
Authorities say they'll continue to treat most marijuana possession cases as infractions.
Many other pot offenders will probably be sentenced to probation. Juvenile offenders will be forced into diversion programs and lose their driver's licenses. Even us squishy liberals at WW don't think pre-pubescent puffing is a good thing. But we're sober enough to see through the smoke and mirrors. That statistic has nothing to do with decriminalization 25 years ago.