Canadian province is trying to decriminalize hard drug

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Canada's British Columbia province is launching the first trial in the country to decriminalize small amounts of hard drugs like cocaine and heroin.

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From Tuesday, adults can possess up to 2.5 grams of such drugs, as well as methamphetamine, fentanyl and morphine.

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The Canadian federal government accepted a request from the West Coast province to try out the three-year experiment.

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This follows a similar policy in the nearby US state of Oregon, which decriminalized hard drugs in 2020.

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Prior to the pilot launch, British Columbia and federal officials outlined the rules under a federally approved exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

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While those substances will remain illegal, adults found in possession of a combined total of less than 2.5 grams of drugs will not be arrested, charged or have their substances confiscated. Instead, they will be given information about the health and social services available.

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Nearly 10,000 residents have died of drug overdoses since British Columbia declared a public health emergency in 2016, officials said.

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The program will run from January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2026, unless canceled by the federal government.

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Some experts have questioned the 2.5 gram limit, saying it is not high enough to account for the habits of many addicts.

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Canada legalized recreational cannabis use for adults nationwide in 2018.

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