Did you know that British Columbia (BC) is requesting to temporarily decriminalize? This is due to an increasing number of deaths from toxic and overdose.
Did you know that there were more than 9400 deaths from toxic drugs in BC in 2016, 2,224 deaths in 2016 and a whopping 26K deaths in Canada between 2016 and 2021? Let’s find out more about BC Decrimalize Drugs.
Decriminalize drugs:
Dr Bonnie Henry, a BC health officer, stated that temporarily decriminalizing would make a difference, but it might not make any permanent changes. This is because subjects are more likely to conceal drugs from their state laws. This leads to people taking more than they need.
BC officials had to temporarily consider decriminalizing because of a medical emergency that allowed individuals to have no more than 2.5g of drug. BC has requested a 2.5g amount. Schools, military and airports are not exempt from the exemption.
As part of BC Decrimalize Drugs, the police will provide information about social and medical support to reduce stigma around drugs.
Individual deaths caused by
Temporarily decriminalizing doesn’t mean legalization. It refers to temporary removal of penalties. Temporarily decriminalizing is a temporary exemption from being arrested, punished or taken into custody for the legal quantity of drugs they have.
Overdose and toxic poisoning are responsible for five to seven deaths per day, according to reports. This situation was made worse by the lockdown and isolation of these individuals during the Covid-19 pandemic.
These individuals were found to have taken the dose even though they were not alone. The temperature and the atmospheric conditions also contributed to toxic effects.
Outlining the Exemptions on BC Decentalize Drugs:
Health Canada and Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions are both keen to promote public safety and health and have reached an agreement to obtain an exemption from the CDSA. Temporarily decriminalize will be in effect starting 31 January 2023 and will last until 31 January 2026.
Drug Stigma Reduction measures:
The government spends a lot on rehabilitation and recovery services. It spent CA$36 million to double the number of youth treatment beds and CA$13.5 for more youth treatment beds in BC.
The government will spend more than CA$45million on BC Decriminalize Drugs over the next three-years. In August 2020, the government announced that fundraising would be possible due to a medical emergency. In 2021, a significant increase was provided for BC’s budget.
Conclusion:
In BC, overdoses and toxicities could become serious. To address this problem and save lives, BC is the first province to apply for decriminalization temporarily in the country. Temporarily decriminalizing acts as a path to better health and treatment for addiction.
