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Decriminalizing people who use drugs in B.C.

In 2023, the Province launched the pilot program to decriminalize people who use drugs. It was intended to make it easier for people struggling with addiction to come forward for help. 

B.C. will not be requesting renewal of the exemption after it expires on January 31, 2026. 

Last updated: January 20, 2026

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Connecting people to care and treatment

Addiction treatment and recovery is complex. There’s no single solution that works for every person.  

B.C. is building a model of care that helps people no matter where they’re at in their journey – from prevention and harm reduction to treatment and recovery. 

  • If looking for help now, supports are available 24/7 at Help Starts Here
  • If using drugs, take steps to stay safer:
    • Carry a Naloxone kit
    • Use the Lifeguard app when using alone, it will alert 911 in case of overdose 
    • Access services at drug checking, overdose prevention, and supervised consumption sites 
    • Ask a health care provider how to find a pathway to recovery that works for you

Monitoring and evaluation

  • Health Canada requires B.C. to closely monitor and evaluate the implementation, early outcomes, public awareness and unintended consequences to inform ongoing adjustments
  • B.C. will continue to fulfill the reporting requirements to capture the full three-year period. This includes monitoring:  
    • Changes to law enforcement practices
    • Changes in socio-emotional wellbeing of people who use drugs 
    • Pathways to services and treatment 
    • Progress on efforts to build a system of care for mental health and addiction 
    • Data on drug seizures and charges for personal possession related offences 
    • Public awareness and understanding of decriminalization  
  • BCCDC continues to monitor and report data on unregulated drug poisonings 
  • Government of Canada, through the Canadian Institutes for Health Research, is funding third-party research to assess the impact of the exemption on addressing substance use harms

Reports

Resources