Canada has announced that it will temporarily decriminalize the use of some illegal drugs like cocaine and opioids for personal use in British Columbia starting on January 1, 2023. The temporary legalization will last three years.
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The exemption comes amid a growing issue of overdoses in the province. It will allow for adults to carry up to 2.5 grams of opioids (heroin, morphine, and fentanyl) and cocaine (crack and powder), as well as methamphetamine and MDMA (ecstasy).
Individuals carrying the allowed limit will not be subject to criminal charges nor will they have their drugs confiscated. However, amounts above the legal limit will be subject to criminal charges. Using drugs near schools, child care facilities, and airports will still be illegal as well.
Canada’s minister of mental health and addictions, Carolyn Bennett, said on Tuesday that “we are granting this exemption because our government is committed to using all available tools that reduce stigma, substance abuse harms, and continuing to work with jurisdictions, to save lives and end this crisis.”
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“Throughout the exemption period, we will work with the province to analyze data and evidence, and assess impact to ensure it continues to be the right direction for people in BC. I assure you that real-time adjustments will be made based upon receipt and analysis of any concerning data.”
Bennett also announced an additional funding of $11.78 million to aid in treating people at risk for substance-related harms and overdoses.
British Columbia declared a public emergency regarding drug-related overdoses in 2016, with the problem increasing dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic. CBC reported that an estimated 2,200 people died from overdoses in BC in 2021, a more than 20% increase over 2020’s 1,700 deaths.
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Zainah Yousef is a writer for The DZSH Group. She is also the author of “The Fallen Age Saga.” Her areas of focus are on psychology, politics, public security, and war. She is also a frequent contributor in articles on video games and entertainment news.
Zainah Yousef
Zainah Yousef is the author of The Fallen Age Saga and specializes in gaming, social media advice, and reviews. She's been writing all her life and she probably won't stop anytime soon.
