Canadian Province Decriminalizes Hard Drugs in Landmark Three-year Trial

What's the story?

• The Canadian province of British Columbia is experimenting with a program to decriminalize the use and possession of small quantities of hard drugs, like cocaine and heroin.
• The federal government approved the three-year trial, which took effect last week. This trial is the first of its kind in Canada.
• The program will run from January 31, 2023, until January 31, 2026, unless it is revoked early by the federal government.
• Canada's Minister of mental health and addictions, Carolyn Bennett, said the decision is:

"[A] monumental shift in drug policy that favors fostering trusting and supportive relationships in health and social services over further criminalization."

What's the back story?

• British Columbia declared drug addiction a public health emergency in 2016 as it is one of Canada's leading causes of overdose deaths. Over 10,000 residents have died of an overdose since the emergency was declared.
• Thousands of police officers in the province have been offered training to help addicted populations better. The trial was partly inspired by a 2020 policy that decriminalized drugs in Oregon.

What does the program allow?

• Under the trial program, adults can legally possess up to 2.5 grams of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and morphine.
• While the substances themselves will remain illegal, adults who possess a small quantity will not be charged with a crime or arrested. 
• In lieu of having their drugs seized, they will be given information on relevant health and social services.

What's not allowed?

• The sale and distribution of drugs remain illegal and will come with charges and possible jail time.
• Possessing drugs on school grounds, childcare facilities, and airports is still illegal, as is transporting drugs across borders. 

Do you support B.C.'s decision? Should U.S. states do the same?

—Emma Kansiz