Overdose deaths increased during BC decriminalization experiment, federal data shows

Federal health data show overdose deaths increased during British Columbia's drug decriminalization experiment before declining after the policy was rolled back.

According to Blacklock's Reporter, overdose deaths rose from 2,098 in 2022 to 2,347 in 2024, an increase of 12% during the province's decriminalization pilot.

The federal exemption, which took effect on Feb. 1, 2023, decriminalized public possession of up to 2.5 grams of cocaine, opioids and other narcotics. The pilot was originally set to run until Jan. 31, 2026, but was suspended effective May 7, 2024 following complaints of public disorder.

Blacklock's reported overdose deaths fell 22% to 1,841 in 2025 after police resumed enforcement. 

The figures also align with data from the BC Coroners Service showing toxic drug deaths increased 16.5% during the 15-month decriminalization period compared to the previous 15 months.