Canada’s decriminalization pilot faces criticism

published on April 24, 2024 in DATAC

A recent article published by BBC News and authored by Nadine Yousif examined the scrutiny faced by British Columbia’s drug decriminalization pilot.

In 2016, B.C. declared a public health emergency over opioid-related illicit overdose deaths. Subsequently, in 2023, the province decriminalized the possession of up to 2.5 grams of some illicit drugs for personal use. The exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act extends to drugs including opioids, crack, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA. In addition, legislation changes have allowed physicians to prescribe “safe supply”, or regulated alternatives to illicit street drugs, to individuals suffering from substance use disorder.

However, despite decriminalization and implementation of safe supply, the number of overdose deaths in the province continues to grow, reaching a record of 2,511 in 2023, as well as a total of over 14,000 deaths since 2016…