The bipartisan agreement would avoid making the state the second in the U.S. to decriminalize the possession of controlled substances. So unless the compromise passes, drug possession — even of fentanyl and other dangerous opiates — will become decriminalized under state law. The only other state that’s tried decriminalizing drug possession is neighboring Oregon, where the experiment is off to a rocky start. “The state of Washington is a decade behind in having treatment providers and having adequate bed space and treatment facilities,” Abbarno said. The standstill put lawmakers against a ticking clock to pass a compromise before that temporary law making possession of small amounts of drugs a misdemeanor expires.

Source: thestar May 16, 2023 08:02 UTC