Decriminalization in British Columbia was a three-year trial period held from 2023 to 2026 that explored decriminalizing possession of small amounts of certain unregulated substances. 

The pilot program began on Jan. 31, 2023 and ended Jan. 31, 2026. Protections will remain in place for services that have seperate exemptions under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. For instance, supervised consumption sites and drug checking services in BC will not be impacted by the end of the program.

The FNHA respects that there are many different approaches to addressing the toxic drug public health emergency and continues to approach substance use as a health issue and not a criminal one.

Reducing stigma and discrimination is one supportive way to offer care to people who use substances. You can read more on FNHA's statement about decriminalization ending here. 

For a timeline of decriminalization, including changes made throughout the three-year period, refer to BCCDC's infographic here.

FNHA supports a range of paths to wellness for First Nations people who use substances. Learn more at the links in our harm reduction section​.