The federal government has finally given the go-ahead to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of drugs in British Columbia, fulfilling a long-standing request from the province which hopes to counter the fentanyl crisis.

Beginning next January 31, for a period of three years, British Columbians aged 18 and over will not be prosecuted if they are in possession of a maximum of 2.5 g of certain drugs, such as fentanyl, heroin and cocaine.

This exemption project is a first in North America, said Ottawa. Remember that the federal government was also a pioneer in decriminalizing marijuana.

“We are granting this exemption because our government is committed to using every tool available to reduce the stigma, harms associated with substance use, and to continue to work with governments to save lives and end this crisis,” commented Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett.

“Throughout the exemption period, we will work with the province to analyze the data and evidence, and then assess the implications to ensure the decision remains the right one for the people of British Columbia,” continued the minister.

The news was welcomed by the British Columbia government, which had been calling for such a gesture for years.

“By decriminalizing people who use drugs, we will end their stigma, which prevents them from having access to services and support that can save their lives”, pleaded the provincial minister of Mental Health and Addictions , Sheila Malcolmson.

In the eyes of the government, consumers will be more likely to visit hospitals or seek help if they are not at risk of being prosecuted for drug possession, which could help save lives.

British Columbia is by far the most affected province in the country by the opioid crisis, fueled above all by the ubiquity of fentanyl in the illicit drug market.

According to the coroner's office, 9,035 British Columbians lost their lives to fatal overdoses between 2016 and 2021 inclusive. The crisis seemed to want to be resolved in 2019, but it finally started again in 2020, with the arrival of the pandemic.

The year 2022 also started on a bad foot with 548 deaths in the first three months, en route to a new record.