CAROLYN BENNETT, CANADA'S MINISTER OF MENTAL HEALTH AND ADDICTIONS. REUTERS/BLAIR GABLE.
The Canadian province of British Columbia has decriminalized the possession of small amounts of hard drugs.
The move is part of a three-year-experiment intended to increase trust in public health and social services.
- From January 31, 2023, until January 31, 2026 adults will no longer face criminal charges for possessing up to 2.5 grams of drugs including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.
- Adults found with these substances will no longer face arrest and will instead be provided with information about accessing health and social services.
- The sale of drugs will remain illegal and the scheme does not apply to people carrying drugs in childcare facilities, airports, and school grounds.
- Canada's Federal minister of mental health and addictions Carolyn Bennett said the new policy "favors fostering trusting and supportive relationships in health and social services over further criminalization."
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- The U.S. state of Oregon decriminalized the possession and personal use of hard drugs in 2020.
- Over 10,000 people have died of drug overdoses in British Columbia since 2016.
