The decriminalization of small amounts of illicit substances – such as illicit fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and methamphetamine – in B.C. is made possible by an exemption from federal drug law. It will take effect Jan. 31, 2023
, and Indigenous and racialized communities are disproportionately impacted. Criminal sanctions for personal drug use also run counter to government messaging that substance use is a health issue.
The new rules will not apply at elementary and secondary school premises, at licensed child care facilities, in airports, or on Canadian Coast Guard vessels and helicopter. As well, possession is still prohibited in personal vehicles or watercraft operated by a minor, regardless of whether the vehicle or watercraft is in motion. Members of the Canadian Armed Forces are subject to the Code of Service Discipline.
This exemption has been used to allow for the operation of supervised drug-use sites and to conduct research or clinical trials that involve controlled substances. More recently, it permitted pharmacists to prescribe, sell and transfer prescriptions for controlled substances so people with substance-use disorders could continue to get medications during the pandemic.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Feds haven't done enough to ensure hard-to-reach Canadians have access to benefits: AGThe Canada Revenue Agency and Employment and Social Development Canada have not done enough to help hard-to-reach Canadians access the benefits they're eligible for, says the auditor general.
Read more »
Eritrean forces shelled town in north Ethiopia over weekend, UN saysThe rare bombardment by Eritrean forces comes after two months of relative peace in the Tigray conflict
Read more »
London North Centre is a battleground like few others in Thursday’s electionIt’s a tight, three-way fight that spotlights key provincewide issues and comes steeped in political drama, from bragging rights to a job windfall that could point the way to reviving some of Ontario’s struggling downtowns.
Read more »
G7 leaders, including Canada, condemn North Korea’s latest ICBM test: ‘Very concerned’ - National | Globalnews.caThe G7 leaders say the test from May 25 undermines international peace and security, according to a joint statement.
Read more »
Three people stabbed multiple times at North Saanich homeAll three were taken to hospital and are in serious condition. A suspect is in custody.
Read more »