Small-scale possession of illicit drugs will be decriminalized in B.C. starting next year: Ottawa
Adults will be able to possess small amounts of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA
Tuesday, May 31, 2022
Adults in British Columbia will be allowed to possess small amounts of some illicit drugs starting next year, the federal government announced — a move that marks a dramatic shift in Canada's drug policy. The federal government says Canadians 18 years of age and older will be able to possess up to a cumulative 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA within British Columbia. The announcement is in response to a request from the province for an exemption from the law criminalizing drug possession. Critics take issue with low threshold amount, delay in implementation and potential for discrimination. (See also: British Columbia will decriminalize drug possession | B.C. decriminalization plan won't do much to stop toxic drug deaths, says chief coroner)
