B.C. to join small group of jurisdictions with decriminalization of hard drugs

published on June 1, 2022 by Camille Bains in Vancouver Sun

British Columbia will soon join a handful of jurisdictions around the world where drug users are not criminalized for possessing small amounts of some illicit drugs for personal use.

Critics say that while decriminalization is a positive first step, the overdose death toll can only be stemmed if a safer supply of drugs is also available as part of a comprehensive public health approach.

Decriminalization in B.C. means charges will not be laid against anyone 18 or older possessing up to 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine or MDMA, also known as ecstasy, for three years, starting Jan. 31, 2023.

Uruguay, Portugal, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador and the state of Oregon all have introduced some form of decriminalization in an effort to curb overdose deaths…