A new policy that decriminalises drug possession has been approved
A rise in Fentanyl use, a type of opioid, has become a public health crisis in British Columbia in the past 6 years.
The policy will apply to people over 18 years old carrying less than 2.5 grams of illicit substances such as cocaine, MDMA and opioids.
People in possession of these drugs will not be arrested or charged.
They will be offered support and voluntary care instead.
Canada Health says decriminalising the possession of drugs will reduce the stigma that prevents people from getting help.
We have lost too many people in BC to the toxic drug supply. To help reduce stigma and keep people safer, BC is beginning the process to decriminalize personal possession of certain illicit drugs – a first in Canada. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/zjKKk4WiyJ
— Sheila Malcolmson (@s_malcolmson) May 31, 2022
The new policy will be introduced in January 2023 and is expected to run for 3 years.
Katerina Kostakos contributed to this article
