By Cassie MacDonell
I believe approaching personal drug use within a health perspective, rather than as a criminal issue, is more beneficial when it comes to helping people addicted to drugs.
From an addiction standpoint, I never understood the purpose of placing drug possessors in jail, as this will likely do nothing to change opinions about drug use. However, I also don’t understand what removing jailtime will do, in terms of rehabilitation, other than possibly helping eliminate stigma. I think that this is a good step, but I believe there should be more accompanying the decriminalization to get people the help they need.
I am no expert, nor can I predict the effects that the decriminalization of drug possession will have on British Columbia. But, I am happy that the government continues to take action to address the drug addiction and overdose problem, and hope this carries on.
