Canada Shares Plan to Decriminalize Cocaine and MDMA

British Columbia Plans to Decriminalize Small Amounts Cocaine, MDMA and Various other Drugs Temporarily in 3-Year Trial Experiment

According to VICE, British Columbia, Canada is planning on putting a temporary hold on criminalizing citizens for small amounts of currently illegal drugs. Larger amounts of the drugs are still going to remain illegal and punishable by law; however, small amounts will be overlooked by law officials. “Adults caught in possession of a personal amount (a combined total of 2.5 grams) of cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, or opioids will not be arrested, charged or have their drugs seized, and instead will be referred to health and social services.”

VICE states that this temporary hold is due to British Columbia wanting to hold a trial in order to remove the stigma correlated with these drugs that often hold people back from seeking help. The trial will last approximately three years in order to determine if it will raise awareness and lower the stereotypes associated with the drugs. According to British Columbia officials, “On [May 31, 2022], Vancouver mayor Kennedy Stewart said the move ‘Marks a fundamental rethinking of drug policy that [favors] healthcare over handcuffs.'”

Similar to most cities within the United States, British Columbia is experiencing a opioid epidemic that is beyond disturbing. VICE reported: “Since 2016, there have been more than 9,400 deaths due to illicit drugs [in British Columbia] – most of which can be attributed to opioids – and a record 2,224 in 2021.

British Columbia will start their trial beginning January 31, 2023 and will officially end the experiment on January 31, 2026. “This move has been praised by some harm reduction experts, who have long called for a health-based approach to drug policy. However, it also has its critics, who say the decision doesn’t go far enough,” according to VICE.

In 2020 in the United States, Oregon became the first U.S. state to remove criminal sanctions for the possession of some illegal drugs. Oregon saw a reduction in drug-related arrests; however, there has been some debate as to whether or not it has prompted more drug users to seek help for substance use disorder.