B.C. ends drug decriminalization pilot

British Columbia announced it will not seek an extension of its three-year exemption that decriminalized small amounts of drugs, and the pilot is set to end on Jan. 31.

British Columbia's Health Minister Josie Osborne announced the province will not apply to Health Canada to extend its exemption from the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. The exemption began Jan. 31, 2023 and removed criminal penalties for small personal possession amounts for adults as a time-limited trial. Officials said the pilot aimed to reduce stigma and improve access to health and social services, but that it "hasn't delivered the results" they had hoped for. Key points: - The province will not request an extension of the Health Canada exemption; the current exemption expires on Jan. 31. - The pilot began on Jan. 31, 2023 and allowed adults to possess small cumulative amounts of certain illicit drugs without arrest for personal possession. - Provincial officials said the pilot did not meet its objectives and the policy was narrowed in 2024 to limit where possession would be permitted. Summary: The provincial government says the decriminalization pilot will end when the exemption lapses on Jan. 31 and that it will continue work on health and related supports. How services and enforcement will be adjusted in the weeks ahead was not detailed and remains undetermined at this time.