Fewer Canadians support decriminalization of cocaine and other narcotics following a failed experiment in British Columbia, says a Department of Health report. Researchers confirmed a majority of the public believe decriminalization perpetuates dangerous drug use.
“The belief that drug decriminalization would make communities less safe increased from 2023 by five percentage points,” said the report. It followed the abrupt suspension last May 7 of a B.C. experiment in decriminalizing public use of cocaine, opioids and other narcotics under the Controlled Drugs And Substances Act.
Asked, “To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statement: ‘I believe decriminalizing drugs would increase harms associated with drug use such as overdoses,’” a majority of 53 percent agreed. A total 48 percent said “decriminalizing drugs would make my community less safe.”