Expert: B.C. will decriminalize up to 2.5 grams of hard drugs

British Columbia is set to become the first province to decriminalize possession of small amounts of illicit drugs. Canadians 18 years of age and older will be able to possess up to a cumulative 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA within B.C. as of Jan. 31, 2023. (CBC News) 

Here is an expert from McGill University who can provide comment on this issue:  

Nicholas King, Associate Professor, Biomedical Ethics Unit and Department of Social Studies of Medicine 

“The decriminalization of possession of small amounts of illicit drugs represents a humane, compassionate, and reasonable approach to public policy. However, while it will likely reduce the harms associated with criminalization, without additional policy measures it may increase harms in other areas and should be closely monitored moving forward.” 

Nicholas King is an Associate Professor in the Biomedical Ethics Unit and the Department of Social Studies of Medicine. He also holds appointments in the Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, the Institute for Health and Social Policy and the Max Bell School of Public Policy. His work focuses on public health ethics and policy. 

nicholas.king [at] mcgill.ca (English)