Decriminalization

The provincial government's pilot project to "decriminalize" possession of small amounts of drugs for personal use has taken another turn - this time for the better in my opinion. Like many of this government's policies, there were unintended consequences. In this case, allowing open drug use in public places such as parks, playgrounds, hospitals, and other public places. Public safety quickly became an issue, and police had no authority to do anything. The resulting outcry has apparently had an effect, as the province has now changed course and received approval from Health Canada to once again make it illegal to possess and consume drugs in public places. Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth yesterday announced a return to the previous total prohibition against public drug use, and has advised police of the same. You can be sure that police will not be aggressive about arresting for simple possession, but they will have ability now to seize drugs and move people along to other locations. It's a step in the right direction.