It’s time for Canada to decriminalize all illegal drugs

In February, B.C. decriminalized the possession of 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA. When the drug policy shift was announced last summer, Montreal public health director Mylène Drouin called for the decriminalization of drugs in this city.

According to a previous study by the Angus Reid Institute, 59% of Canadians believe Canada should decriminalize all illegal drugs in order to help solve the opioid crisis in the country. The study found that Saskatchewan and New Brunswick were the only provinces in Canada where majorities failed to support the decriminalization of illegal drugs. 2 in 3 in B.C. (66%) and 3 in 5 in Quebec, Ontario and Nova Scotia (60%) favour the decriminalization policy.

“Advocates say that the decriminalization of illegal drugs would reduce the risk to users by improving the quality of supply whilst encouraging people who use drugs to seek treatment without stigma. Further, 2 in 3 Canadians support increasing access to supervised injection sites.

“Decriminalization of the possession and use of illegal drugs is meant to encourage users to be open about their behaviour and seek help addressing it. Producing and selling illegal drugs, however, would still be a criminal offence. The national chiefs of police association has advocated for decriminalizing simple possession of all illegal drugs.”

This article was originally published on Feb. 25, 2021 and updated on April 24, 2023.

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