Summary
British Columbia decided to end its drug decriminalisation pilot program, which allowed adults to possess small amounts of illicit drugs without arrest. The program started in 2023 to address the opioid crisis but will not continue past January due to public concerns and unclear results.
Key Facts
- British Columbia ended its drug decriminalisation project, which started in 2023.
- The pilot allowed adults to have up to 2.5 grams of certain illicit drugs without being arrested.
- The program aimed to tackle the opioid addiction crisis in the area.
- The province decided not to extend the program due to lack of clear results and public disorder concerns.
- The health minister said it was hard to tell if it helped more people get treatment for addiction.
- British Columbia was the only Canadian province to try this type of program.
- Opioid-related deaths in BC increased by 5.8% from 2023 to 2024.
- Other regions, like Ontario and Alberta, are also moving towards addiction recovery policies rather than harm reduction.
