The state government of British Columbia decriminalized the possession of small amounts of hard drugs, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.  The move is part of a three-year experiment to increase public trust in Canadian health and social services agencies. A three-year trial period begins on Tuesday, during which adults will no longer face criminal charges for possessing up to 2.5 grams of hard drugs. Adults found with these substances will no longer face arrest. Instead, they will be provided 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." Over 10,000 people have died of drug overdoses in British Columbia since 2016.