Instead, users will receive information on how to access medical help for addictions. “For too many years, ideological opposition to harm reduction has cost livesBennett said at a news conference announcing the pilot program.
Last year, 107,000 Americans died as a result of an overdose – a historical record -, more than 70,000 by fentanyl or its mixture with other substances and it turns out that the problem is also growing in Canada.
From 2016 to 2021, the country recorded 26,000 overdose deaths. Of these, 9,400 have occurred in British Columbiathe province hardest hit by this crisis.
From the entry into force of the exemption, citizens may not be arrested or investigated for possession of these drugs in an amount less than 2.5 grams, nor will the substances be confiscated. The measure will not apply at airports, educational centers or for members of the Canadian military.
“The shocking number of lives lost due to the opioid crisis requires aggressive decisions and important regulatory changes,” the official defended. “Removing criminal penalties for those who have small amounts of illicit drugs for their own use will reduce stigma and harm and provide another tool to British Columbia end its overdose crisiss,” he considered.
The measure does not imply the legalization of these substances, but that those who carry small amounts are not persecuted. In turn, the authorities will offer them information and resources to treat their addiction.
“Drug use is a public health problem, not a criminal problem“, he defended Sheila Malcolmson, British Columbia Minister of Mental Health and Addictionswhich added that this measure will combat the stigma that prevents those with problems from seeking help.
For its part, Kennedy StewartVancouver’s mayor said the decision “fundamentally reframes drug policy to favor healthcare over wives.”
Source: Ambito
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