B.C. reveals plan for decriminalization of small amounts of drugs for personal use

British Columbia is taking a major step forward in its fight against the province’s deadly overdose crisis by decriminalizing the possession of a small amount of certain illicit drugs for personal use.

British Columbia is taking a major step forward in its fight against the province’s deadly overdose crisis by decriminalizing the possession of a small amount of certain illicit drugs for personal use.

As part of a first-in-Canada pilot program launching Tuesday, people aged 18 and older can legally posses up to 2.5 grams of certain illicit drugs for personal use until at least Jan. 31, 2026.

Last May, the federal government granted B.C. an exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act—meaning adults will no longer be arrested, criminally charged or have their drugs seized if they’re found carrying a small amount for personal use. The substances covered by this exemption include opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA.

‘A MONUMENTAL SHIFT IN DRUG POLICY’

Carolyn Bennett and Jennifer Whiteside, the federal and provincial ministers of mental health and addictions, along with B.C. provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry broke down the program’s rollout during a news conference Monday morning.

Bennet describes the exemption as “a monumental shift in drug policy that favours fostering trusting and supportive relationships in health and social services over further criminalization.”

Her provincial counterpart says substance use is a public health matter, not a criminal justice one.