Canada OKs drug decriminalization test in British Columbia

Published May 31, 2022 12:55 PM

By JIM MORRIS and ROB GILLIES
Associated Press

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — Canada is allowing the province of British Columbia to try a three-year experiment in decriminalizing possession of small amounts of drugs. It hopes to help stem a record number of overdose deaths by easing a fear of arrest by those who need help. The policy announced Tuesday by federal officials doesn’t legalize the substances, but Canadians in the Pacific coast province who possess up to 2.5 grams of illicit drugs for personal use will not be arrested or charged. It takes effect Jan. 31 and applies to drug users 18 and over and include opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA, also known as ecstasy.

Article Topic Follows: AP National News

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