A BC Government Update Related to Public Substance Use

April 26, 2024

BCCDC would like to update harm reduction, THN and FORB sites about The Province of B.C.’s update related to public substance use:

• The Province of B.C. has requested Health Canada make a change to the federal exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• The requested changes would make illicit drug use illegal in all public spaces including inside hospitals, on transit and in parks
• These changes are not currently in effect. The current legal restrictions on possession can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/overdose-awareness/decriminalization_factsheet.pdf

For more information:

• BC Government News Release