We have to make fentanyl possession a felony again…
Five years ago, our Supreme Court struck down simple possession of fentanyl and other drugs as a felony. It went to misdemeanor, then gross misdemeanor with diversion. During this time of weaker consequences, here are the facts: 📉⚠️
Data checklist:
• Overdose deaths: 1,259 (2019) → 3,459 (2023) = +175%
• WA jumped from mid-pack nationally to top 4-5 worst overdose rates in the US
• King County homelessness: +26% (2022–2024)
• Statewide PIT counts: +25% in recent years
Washington became a clear outlier. People came here knowing low risk of arrest or real jail time for their drug habit. Diversion still lets people smoke fentanyl on the streets — and it’s killing them.
Oregon recriminalized and saw sharp overdose drops.
Enough is enough. Time to bring fentanyl possession back to a felony with real accountability + mandatory treatment. Treatment First means consequences that actually save lives.
We have to make fentanyl possession a felony again…
Five years ago, our Supreme Court struck down simple possession of fentanyl and other drugs as a felony. It went to misdemeanor, then gross misdemeanor with diversion. During this time of weaker consequences, here are the facts: 📉⚠️
Data checklist:
• Overdose deaths: 1,259 (2019) → 3,459 (2023) = +175%
• WA jumped from mid-pack nationally to top 4-5 worst overdose rates in the US
• King County homelessness: +26% (2022–2024)
• Statewide PIT counts: +25% in recent years
Washington became a clear outlier. People came here knowing low risk of arrest or real jail time for their drug habit. Diversion still lets people smoke fentanyl on the streets — and it’s killing them.
Oregon recriminalized and saw sharp overdose drops.
Enough is enough. Time to bring fentanyl possession back to a felony with real accountability + mandatory treatment. Treatment First means consequences that actually save lives.
It has sprawled into all suburbs, and even in small towns you now see homeless and drug addicts in the streets.