Canada has announced it will temporarily decriminalise the possession of small amounts of some illicit drugs in British Columbia (BC).
The province asked for the criminal code exemption after overdoses claimed more than two thousand lives in BC last year.
This time-limited three-year trial is the first of its kind in Canada.
Adults will be allowed to possess a combined total of 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.
While those substances will remain illegal, adults found in possession for personal use will not be arrested, charged or have their drugs seized. Instead, they will be offered information on available health and social services
In its request to the federal government last year, BC said it asked for the drug laws exemption in order “to remove the shame that often prevents people from reaching out for life-saving help”.
The programme will run from 31 January 2023 to 31 January 2026. There are some exemptions to the scheme, which will not apply to primary and secondary school grounds, child-care facilities, airports, or to members of Canada’s military.
