The decriminalization of certain types of drugs for personal use is both a cause of caution and optimism, says an expert, who generally praises it.
“The optimism is that people will be more likely to access harm reduction services including drug checking,” said Pauly. “Being offered health care referrals rather than being coerced is a positive. Coercion to treatment does not work. The concerns are that youth under 18 are excluded and that they will continue to experience major impacts of criminalization affecting future educations, housing and employment opportunities as well as access to services.
“As part of addressing overdose deaths, we need to scale up a safer supply of substances that is accessible and appropriate to address the scope of this public health issue that is killing six people per day in BC.”