Canada to decriminalize some drugs in British Columbia for three years

Policy aims to stem record number of overdose deaths by easing a fear of arrest by those who need help

Canada's government has announced that it will allow the province of British Colombia to try a three-year experiment in decriminalizing possession of small amounts of drugs, hoping it will help stem a record number of overdose deaths by easing a fear of arrest by those who need help.

The policy approved by federal officials doesn't legalize the substances, but Canadians in the Pacific coast province who possess up to 2.5g of illicit drugs for personal use will not be arrested or charged.