Decriminalization of Currently Illegal Drugs in British Columbia: An Evidence Brief

Report
by
Macevicius, C., Ranger, C., Urbanoski, K., and Pauly, B.

Release Date

2024

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

Yes

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

No

Findings/Key points

This report discusses the current context of decriminalization in BC, BC's approach, the current situation of criminalization, impacts of criminalization, the concept of decriminalization, potential impacts of decriminalization, decriminalization as a social justice issue, and other considerations. They conclude that decriminalization is a valuable tool for addressing the unregulated drug crisis but is not enough. Other public health, social policy, criminal justice, and community responses are necessary.

Keywords

Decriminalization/legalization
Policy/Regulatory
Illegal drugs
Legal system/law enforcement