Oregon has reversed its drug decriminalization policy, bringing back criminal penalties for drug possession. This move, criticized by advocates, reintroduces a punitive approach to drug use despite concerns about its effectiveness and potential to exacerbate existing problems within the state’s under-resourced treatment infrastructure.
As Puerto Rico prepares for gubernatorial elections, the candidates’ views on cannabis have come into focus. While recreational use remains illegal, the leading contenders – Jenniffer González, Jesús Manuel Ortiz, and Juan Dalmau – have all expressed support for varying levels of cannabis reform, ranging from expanding the medical cannabis industry to decriminalization.
The Olympia City Council in Washington state has voted to decriminalize the possession and use of plant-based psychedelics, including psilocybin mushrooms. This resolution directs law enforcement to prioritize public safety over pursuing arrests or prosecutions for personal use of these substances, reflecting a growing shift in drug policy approaches nationwide.
Thailand’s newly appointed health minister, Somsak Thepsuthin, has announced plans to review the country’s cannabis policy, raising concerns about a potential reversal of the legalization measures implemented in 2022. The ministry is seeking public input to determine the extent of cannabis liberalization in the country. Somsak’s comments follow those of his predecessor, Cholnan Srikaew, who sought to ban recreational cannabis use. However, a bill to this effect has been delayed amid bureaucratic processes and industry opposition. The use of cannabis has become a highly politicized issue in Thailand, with the Prime Minister also vowing to restrict its usage to medicinal purposes only.
