The federal government has announced that early next year, British Columbia will be the first province in Canada to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use.
The decision comes after the BC government applied for an exemption under the Federal Drugs and Controlled Substances Act, which makes it a crime to have a majority of controlled substances.
On Nov. 1, as the toxic drug crisis intensified, the province asked the federal government to decriminalize up to 4.5 grams of drugs for personal use in BC. The exemption granted is for a smaller amount and is cumulative for all illicit drugs in the person.
BC adults carrying up to 2.5 grams of certain drugs, such as opioids, cocaine and methamphetamine, will not be arrested or charged, and the drugs will not be confiscated.
Instead, the police will provide information about available services and, upon request, provide support to connect with those services.
The personal use exemption applies to all adults 18 years of age or older within the jurisdictional limits of BC, except on primary and secondary school grounds, child care facilities authorized, at airports and Canadian Coast Guard ships and helicopters.
It shall take effect on 31 January 2023 and shall expire on 31 January 2026, unless revoked or replaced by another exemption before that date.
Health Canada says BC province will use the eight months prior to the start of the exemption to talk to affected groups and train law enforcement.
Possession for the purpose of trafficking, production or export of any of the drugs listed in the exemption remains illegal, regardless of the amount.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates again.