United States Oregon has become the first state to end criminal penalties for drug possession.
What does this mean? Citizens caught with small possession of drugs such as heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine will no longer be punishable by jail time, but instead have the option of paying a $100 fine or undergo a complete health assessment at an addiction recovery center.
At the same time possession of larger amounts could result in a misdemeanor charge.
All this comes after voters in New Jersey, Arizona and South Dakota approved ballot measures to legalize recreational marijuana.
The initiative also expands access to addiction assistance and offering aid to those who need it instead of arresting and jailing people for drugs.
