BOSTON — State Senator Michael Rodrigues of Westport is leading a group of 14 other state legislators on a trip to Portugal to study that country's approach to the opioid crisis.

People in Portugal who are in possession of small amounts of opioids are not arrested. Instead, a panel determines if they should be sent to rehab, counseling, or have their case suspended.

According to metrowestdailynes.com, Senate President Karen Spilka will be among the 14 flying out of Boston on TAP Air Portugal Tuesday night.  The delegation will meet with Portugal President Mareclo Rebelo de Sousa and members of the Foundation about Portugal's decriminalization of opioids.

The Massachusetts lawmakers hope to determine the impact that the decriminalization of opioids has had in Portugal.

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