Decriminalization alone is not enough, experts warn

B.C.’s three-year test of decriminalization, which starts Tuesday, will mark a “sea change” in the way people who use drugs are treated in the health system.

Experts, however, say in order to stop the wave of overdose deaths, the province must dramatically expand its addiction treatment options and programs to supply untainted drugs.

B.C. becomes the first place in Canada where adults with up to 2.5 grams of so-called hard drugs — opioids, cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy — will not face criminal charges and their drugs will not be seized. Instead, officers will hand out cards with information on health services.

“Decriminalization will amount to a sea change in the public health approach to drug policy and to the care of individuals people who use drugs,” said Dr. Scott MacDonald, lead physician at Providence Crosstown clinic in downtown Vancouver, which prescribes medical-grade heroin to 10 patients. He was speaking at a news conference in Vancouver Monday with federal and provincial ministers, police and health officials.