B.C.’s drug decriminalization plan falls short: expert

published on January 30, 2023 by Martin MacMahon and Hana Mae Nassar in CityNews Vancouver

As B.C. gets set to decriminalize small amounts of certain drugs, some experts continue to question the province’s plan, saying it doesn’t go far enough.

Dr. Thomas Kerr, director of research at the BC Centre on Substance Use, says the idea of decriminalization is a good one but he adds the policy B.C. has developed was “poorly executed.”

He says there are a number of concerns with the approach the province is taking.

“I think there’s a lot of interest and excitement but, unfortunately, I don’t think this is a policy development that’s going to make a major difference really on any front,” he told CityNews.

“This is not a solution to the overdose epidemic and that’s really what we should be focused on right now, is saving lives.”…