Since Jan. 31, 2023, and lasting for a three-year trial period, possession of small amounts of certain illegal drugs, such as opioids and cocaine, have been decriminalized in British Columbia (BC) by the provincial government under an exemption to the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
As of May 7, 2024, Health Canada and the provincial government have made several important chances to decriminalization in BC. This revised approach will be in effect until Jan. 31, 2026, although further changes may be enacted by the province before that time.
Adults (18+) in BC are permitted to possess up to 2.5 grams of illicit substances (cumulative – the weight of all drugs combined), without being subject to fines, arrest or drug seizures. The drugs subject to decriminalization laws include opioids (e.g. heroin, morphine and fentanyl), cocaine (powder or crack), methamphetamines, and MDMA (ecstasy).
Personal possession of illicit drugs is permitted only in the following locations:
- Private residences;
- Places that unhoused individuals are legally sheltering (indoor and outdoor locations);
- Overdose prevention services (OPS), drug checking sites, and supervised consumption sites; and
- Places that provide out-patient addiction services like rapid access addiction clinics.
Decriminalization is not legalization. The trafficking of drugs remains illegal, and there is no government-approved systems for the manufacturing, buying and selling of these substances.
The FNHA is working with provincial partners to monitor and evaluate BC's approach to decriminalization, which may lead to evidence-based policy adjustments.
For more information about how decriminalization laws impact illicit drug possession, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions document, linked below.
Decriminalization Social Media Graphics
Download and share our decriminalization graphics to share on your social media accounts to get the word out about decriminalization. Right-click and save or long tap on a mobile device.
