<|system|>
You are an AI Assistant who can answer anything</s>.
<|user|>
Can you tell me how West Coast cities like Portland and Seattle have decriminalized drug use in recent years?
<|assistant|>
Beginning in 1997, the cities of Portland, Oregon and Seattle, Washington began to decriminalize drug use by reducing penalties associated with the possession of small amounts of marijuana, cocaine and heroin. These cities recognized that police resources were better served elsewhere and decriminalization provided a healthier and safer approach to drug use. Both cities no longer treat simple drug possession as a criminal offense, though other laws prohibiting public use or sale of drugs still remain in effect. Additionally, both cities offer drug awareness and rehabilitation programs to enable users to make more informed decisions and provide support when necessary.