This Canadian province reconsiders the decriminalization of small quantities of drugs

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British Columbia reversed its policy of decriminalizing small quantities of certain drugs on Friday, following criticism of their growing use in public spaces.

Last year, this province in the west of the country made the decision to no longer penalize the possession of less than 2.5 grams of cocaine, heroin, fentanyl or other hard drugs for personal use in order to fight against the opioid crisis, which is wreaking havoc.

The goal was to no longer place the stigma on users, to make it more of a public health issue.

But drug taking in public places – parks, streets, beaches, hospitals, etc. – has increased significantly.

“Our first priority remains safety. And while we care for those who face addictions, we do not accept disorder in the streets that makes people worry for their safety,” said the province’s premier, progressive David Eby.

Police will now be able to seize illegal drugs and force a user to leave the area, or arrest them. But small possessions remain decriminalized at home, according to a press release.

Further south, the US state of Oregon announced in early April that it would recriminalize the possession of small quantities of narcotics from September, after being the first US state to decriminalize all drugs.