Assessing re-criminalization of drug possession through a public health lens

Redeye · Mar 28, 2025 · 13m

B.C. is in the midst of an ongoing public health emergency, declared in 2016 in response to significant levels of overdoses and drug poisonings. In response, BC implemented a decriminalization framework in 2023, removing criminal sanctions for possession of small amounts of certain unregulated drugs. Less than 18 months later, B.C. amended the framework, effectively re-criminalizing public drug consumption and possession in public spaces across B.C. A commentary published in the Canadian Journal of Public Health assesses this amendment through a public health lens. We speak with Kelsey Speed…