British Columbia will be one of the first Canadian provinces to make it legal to have small amounts of some illegal drugs.
Overdoses after claimed the lives of more than 2,000 people in Ontario last year, prompting the government to request an exception from the criminal code.
This is the first of its kind in Canada, with a three-year trial period.
Adults will be after able to have up to 2.5 grams of opiates, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA.
Adults also who possess prohibited drugs for personal use will not be prosecuted.
Health and protection resources will be available to all.
The drug law exception was requested by the federal government last year to “eliminate the guilt that frequently inhibits individuals.
From seeking out life-saving care,” according to the request.
Carolyn Bennett, Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions.
Said on Tuesday that “ideological hostility to harm reduction has cost lives for far too many years.”
In addition also to saving lives, “we’re doing this to give drug users their dignity and options back.”
The move “marks a radical reconsideration of drug policy that favors healthcare over shackles,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart.
Between the end of January 2023 and the end of the following January 2026, the program will be in full swing.
Except for elementary and secondary school premises, child-care institutions, airports, and Canadian military personnel, the plan has a few exceptions.
Carolyn Bennett, Canada’s Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, said on Tuesday.
Тhat “ideological hostility to harm reduction has cost lives for far too many years.”
In addition also to saving lives, “we’re doing this to give drug users their dignity and options back.”
The move “marks a radical reconsideration of drug policy that favors healthcare over shackles,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart.
State of emergency
As a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the overdose issue in British Columbia has designata public health emergency five years ago.
Since 2016, more than 9,000 people in the shelter have died from drug overdoses.
Across the nation, there are increasing demands for a change in drug policy toward a public health approach.
Several public health groups and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police have backed the idea of decriminalizing some drug offenses.
“A prototype for other governments throughout Canada,” said Ms. Bennett of the BC plan.
For the first time in the US, Oregon will no longer impose criminal penalties for the possession of some illegal narcotics starting in 2020.
People are still arguing about whether a drop in drug arrests is leading more people to get help for their drug use.
In 2018, Canada became the first country in the world to legalize the recreational use of marijuana for adults.
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