Why is B.C. decriminalizing drugs? And will it help?

Moms Stop the Harm advocates and supporters gather at Centennial Square on the sixth anniversary to mark the public health emergency of the declaration due to the significant increase in opioid-related overdose across the province during the Cut The Red Tape theme in Victoria, B.C., on April 14, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito THE CANADIAN PRESS

In today’s Big Story podcast, the overdose crisis is a tragedy, and in the past couple of years the number of deaths has been staggering. Harm-reduction advocates are looking for any way possible to save lives, and decriminalization is a strategy that has been used elsewhere to great effect.

So starting next January, British Columbia will try it with some drugs, at low amounts. Is this a huge step towards progressive drug policy, or too-little-too-late? Could it be both?

GUEST: Manisha Krishnan, senior editor, Vice News

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