Mark Zuckerberg Supports Drug Decriminalization With Half-Million Dollar Oregon Campaign Donation

A campaign working to pass a ballot measure to decriminalize all drugs in Oregon just got a significant financial boost from a foundation run by Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife.

The $500,000 contribution from Chan Zuckerberg Initiative Advocacy represents roughly a third of all funding raised to date in support of Measure 110, which would decriminalize drug possession while using a portion of existing legal marijuana tax revenue to pay for expanded substance misuse treatment services.

Supporters say the measure is part of an effort to reframe drug misuse as a health issue, rather than a matter to be handled through the criminal justice system. If approved, low-level possession would be considered a civil infraction punishable by a maximum $100 fine and no jail time.