B.C. officially ends decriminalization pilot project after concerns about public drug use

B.C. has officially ended its decriminalization pilot project for public drug use, acknowledging it was not achieving its intended goals. The program, which allowed drug users to carry up to 2.5 grams of substances without police confiscation, will conclude on Jan. 31. Health Minister Josie Osborne stated that the province is now focusing on expanding voluntary and involuntary treatment options, emphasizing that addiction is a health issue rather than a criminal justice one.