Photo: NOORULLAH SHIRZADA/AFP/Getty Images
This week, The Canadian government launched a pilot program in British Columbia that decriminalizes possession of small amounts of drugs such as cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, or fentanyl by citizens 18 years of age or older.
This way, In said region it is allowed to carry up to 2.5 grams of this type of drug without the authorities considering it a crime or cause to be arrested. However, the trafficking and sale of illegal substances will continue to be penalized in the province.
Likewise, addicts who require it will be offered information on the available social and health services focused on achieving their rehabilitation.
In this regard, the Ministry of Health of British Columbia stressed that the possession of drugs in schools, nurseries or airports will continue to be considered a serious crime.
The program that will be in force on the Pacific coast of Canada until January 31, 2026, It is questioned by a conservative sector of society, as it is feared that the consumption of opioids and other illicit drugs will increase, especially among the young population.
And it is that a report from the Forensic Office of the province indicates that only last year more than 2,200 citizens died victims of drug overdoses.
Carolyn Bennett, the federal minister for mental health and addictions, praised the government initiative.
“It is a monumental change in drug policy that favors the promotion of relationships of trust and support in social services and health instead of greater criminalization,” he said.
In this sense, Vancouver, the largest city in British Columbia, will offer drug users the option of going to places where they can consume small amounts of drugs and antidotes to avoid dying from overdoses and infections.
It should be noted that the initiative implemented in British Columbia adds to the policy that was launched in Oregon almost three years ago. However, it could be canceled at any time if the results are adverse to the objectives set.
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