Image Credit: Ieva Geneviciene | Dreamstime.com

By Ashley Legassic

OPIOID CRISIS

Provincial health officer says decriminalization of drugs could help mitigate opioid crisis

Apr 24, 2019 | 11:02 AM

VICTORIA — Decriminalization is at the forefront for one of several possible solutions to the opioid crisis.

That’s according to a new report by B.C.’s provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, titled Stopping the Harm: Decriminalization of People Who Use Drugs in BC.

According to a news release, Henry’s report shows evidence and information on how the decriminalization of people who possess illegal drugs for personal use could help turn the tide on the overdose crisis — which was declared a public health emergency three years ago.

Henry is encouraging the provincial government to consider decriminalization of people who use drugs, which means possession of illegal drugs for personal use would not lead to criminal justice penalties like incarceration or a criminal record.

Week in Review

Week in Review: Week of Sept. 23

3h ago

Two and Out

PETERS: Studies in accountability - or a lack thereof

Sep 27, 2024

Looped In

LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: September 26, 2024

Sep 26, 2024

“Experts, including people with lived experience, agree that our existing drug laws are further stigmatizing people living with addiction — a chronic, relapsing health condition,” said Henry. “The decriminalization of people who are in possession of drugs for personal use is the next logical and responsible step we must take to keep people alive and connect them to the health and social supports they need.”

The report shows how stigma leads many people who use drugs to hide their usage and creates barriers to using harm reduction and treatment services.

“Prohibition-based drug policies and strategies are significant contributors to the deep-rooted shame and blame associated with illegal drug use,” the release states. “Evidence shows that criminalizing people who use drugs does more harm than good. Decriminalization is a way for law enforcement to help people living with addiction connect to the supports they need.”

According to the release, at least 30 countries including Portugal, Australia, Spain, Uruguay, Norway, Chile and some U.S. jurisdictions, are either exploring or have in place an alternative policy option that decriminalizes people for simple possession and drug use.