BC to end drug decriminalization pilot by end of month.

B.C. Minister of Health Josie Osborne said the province will not ask Health Canada to renew an exemption that allowed a decriminalization pilot. The exemption was granted in January 2023 and is set to expire at the end of this month.

B.C.'s Minister of Health Josie Osborne announced the province will not ask Health Canada to renew its exemption from federal drug laws. That exemption, granted in January 2023, permitted a pilot that decriminalized small personal amounts of certain drugs. The exemption is set to expire at the end of this month. Key facts: - Minister Josie Osborne said the province will not seek renewal of the federal exemption. - The exemption was granted in January 2023 and is scheduled to expire at the end of this month. - The pilot decriminalized personal possession and use of 2.5 grams or less of cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, and opioids for people 18 and over. Summary: The provincial announcement means the current exemption will lapse when it expires at month end. Undetermined at this time.