Health Canada mulling B.C.’s drug decriminalization request but with lower threshold: minister
A British Columbia minister says Well being Canada is contemplating its decriminalization request however with a decrease threshold for the quantity of medicine an individual can carry.
Psychological Well being and Addictions Minister Sheila Malcolmson instructed reporters at present she obtained an replace on what Well being Canada has “on its thoughts” and the choice isn’t remaining.
B.C. has utilized for an exemption request to decriminalize possession of small quantities of medicine, in an effort to scale back stigma related to drug use and assist save lives.
Learn extra:
B.C. formally asks Ottawa for exemption to decriminalize illicit drug possession
Leslie McBain, co-founder of Mothers Cease the Hurt, stated Malcolmson shared the replace with a circle of stakeholders this week.
B.C. has requested a cumulative threshold of 4.5 grams for opioids, cocaine and methamphetamine, however McBain stated the federal authorities is mulling a 2.5-gram cumulative threshold.
McBain says this restrict is just too low as a result of folks should make extra journeys into the illicit drug market, placing them in harmful conditions extra typically.
The workplace of Carolyn Bennett, federal minister of psychological well being and addictions, additionally stated the choice has not been made.
