Another way to classify substances is whether they are criminalized or not. When drugs are criminalized, people can be arrested, charged, fined, or have their drugs taken away. In the past, illegal drugs have also been criminalized.
From January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2026 in BC, having 2.5 grams of certain drugs for personal use will be decriminalized for young adults and adults (18+ years old) in BC. These drugs include:
- Opioids (including heroin, morphine and fentanyl)
- Cocaine (including crack and powder)
- Methamphetamine (meth)
- Ecstasy (MDMA)
This change may bring up different feelings for you as a parent or caregiver and you may be wondering why this change was made.
Decriminalization does not increase drug use. A decriminalization approach to substance use can:
- Reduce stigma. Decreasing shame and fear around substance use can decrease the chance of people using drugs alone, which decreases the risk of a fatal overdose.
- Reduce barriers. Breaking down barriers can make people feel more comfortable asking for help, promote receiving care, and create better ways of being cared for.
- For example: Adults who are found with 2.5 grams or less of the above drugs would be given information about health and social supports instead of facing legal consequences.
- Shift the approach. Approach substance use as a public health matter instead of a criminal justice matter. This can help address the unequal access to resources and opportunities that people have even though they belong to the same society. This access is influenced by people’s social identity (For example: gender, sexual identity, race, ethnicity, ability, income, location). These differences in access are also known as social inequities.
It is still illegal to sell drugs to youth (under 18 years old), for youth to possess illegal drugs, and for youth to sell drugs (trafficking). It is also still illegal to have substances on K-12 school grounds or at licensed childcare facilities. For more information, check out this decriminalization factsheet and additional information on the difference between legalization and decriminalization.
