Oregon Cocaine Laws

By Olivia Wathne, Esq. | Legally reviewed by FindLaw Staff | Last reviewed October 31, 2024

When it comes to cocaine, there's no ambiguity. All states prohibit the trafficking, sale, and possession of cocaine. This includes the manufacturing of crack cocaine. Federal law also prohibits such offenses involving cocaine and other illicit drugs. There's a growing trend toward treatment and abatement programs in response to the opioid crisis. This is instead of harsh prison sentences for addicts.

Law enforcement agencies, including the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), handle cases involving interstate trafficking and organized crime. States deal with more localized violations. With increasing homelessness and substance use issues, states like Oregon are also re-evaluating their drug enforcement strategies to focus more on public health than incarceration.

Oregon Drug Laws and Cocaine Violations

The manufacture of cocaine and crack cocaine or delivery of the drug (sales) are charged as a Class B felony. This carries a maximum potential 10-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $250,000. Violations that occur within 1,000 of a school are charged as more serious crimes.

The main provisions of Oregon's cocaine laws are listed in the following table. See FindLaw's Drug Charges section for more general information.

Oregon Cocaine Laws Code Sections	Oregon Revised Statutes Oregon Measure 110, Drug Decriminalization and Addiction Treatment Initiative (2020): The initiative reclassified personal possession of cocaine from a Class A misdemeanor to a Class E violation resulting in a $100 fine or a completed health assessment. House Bill 4002: Oregon’s new recriminalization law Uniform Controlled Substance Act Oregon Revised Statutes Section 475.005 (definitions) Oregon Revised Statutes Section 475.525 (drug paraphernalia) Oregon Revised Statutes Section 475.752 (penalties)
Does Oregon Have Drug Courts?	Yes. People charged with felony possession may receive addiction treatment and rehabilitation instead of jail time. Learn more at the Oregon drug courts site.
Oregon Cocaine Possession Penalties	As of September 1, 2024, possession of a personal-use amount of cocaine is a drug enforcement misdemeanor with up to six months incarceration.
Oregon Cocaine Sale Penalties	Unlawful delivery of cocaine is a Class B felony Unlawful delivery of cocaine to a person under 18 years of age is a Class A felony
Unlawful Manufacture or Trafficking of Cocaine in Oregon	Unlawful manufacture or trafficking of cocaine is a Class B felony Unlawful manufacture of cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school is a Class A felony

Note: Oregon state laws and sentencing guidelines related to drug laws are subject to change. This happens through the passage of new legislation, appellate court opinions, or voter-approved ballot initiatives. Speak with an Oregon drug crimes attorney or conduct your own legal research to confirm current state laws.

Oregon Decriminalization Law

In 2020, Oregon voters passed Measure 110, a groundbreaking ballot measure. Measure 110 decriminalized the possession of small amounts of hard drugs such as heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. The law, supported by both Democratic and Republican lawmakers, aimed to shift the focus from criminal penalties and jail time to public health.

The measure proposed offering treatment for substance use disorder instead of prosecution. Portland and other parts of the state have been deeply affected by the fentanyl crisis and rising overdose deaths, prompting this shift in drug policy.

During the 2023 legislative session, the Oregon legislature amended the law. This was in response to public concern about increased drug use and crime. Some drug possession offenses were recriminalized.

This brought back certain criminal penalties, particularly for fentanyl possession. This new law reflects a balance between supporting drug users through treatment and addressing safety concerns, as Oregonians continue to grapple with the effects of the ongoing drug crisis.

Avoiding Prison: Oregon Drug Courts

Drug courts have grown in popularity throughout the United States. They offer non-violent drug offenders the option of receiving drug treatment and regular drug testing instead of prison time in exchange for a guilty plea.

Drug courts aren't available for everyone. They focus on first-time offenders and require the completion of treatment programs.