Decriminalizing simple possession of illicit drugs

BC’s 3-year pilot project that decriminalized the possession of small amounts of certain illicit drugs ended on January 31, 2026, when the province announced it would not seek renewal of the federal exemption. External website, opens in new tab This means that possession of small amounts of illicit drugs is once again illegal.

The pilot program, approved by Health Canada in 2023 through a temporary exemption, was part of earlier efforts to respond to the toxic drug crisis by removing criminal penalties for personal possession and reducing stigma associated with drug use.

Harm reduction services are a provincial responsibility, delivered through health authorities, and include overdose prevention sites and drug checking. External website, opens in new tab

Decisions about decriminalization and enforcement fall under provincial and federal jurisdiction. Our role primarily relates to zoning, permitting, and licensing. We support Vancouver Coastal Health in delivering harm reduction and recovery services through municipal regulatory processes.

BC now requires witnessed dosing for prescribed alternatives. External website, opens in new tab This is intended to prevent diversion while ensuring access for those who need it.

More people are using life-saving supports like drug checking, PDF file (3 MB) overdose prevention sites, supervised consumption services, and Take Home Naloxone kits. We will continue working with the province and community partners to monitor these efforts.

Stigma around drug use and homelessness can make it harder for people to get help. Treating substance use as a health issue helps people access support and live with dignity.

We aim to keep communities safe while showing compassion and care for people who use drugs. Tackling the toxic drug crisis remains a priority, and we continue working with partners to reduce harm and save lives.