B.C. doctors look to Portugal for drug decriminalization lessons

published on May 1, 2019 by Clare Hennig in CBC News (BC)

Thousands of health officials and advocates, including top B.C. doctors, are gathered in Portugal this week to talk about addressing the overdose crisis though decriminalization.

Portugal has long been hailed for its progressive policies on drugs, which have been decriminalized since 2001.

“The Portugal model has been tremendous in removing some of the criminal penalties associated with drug use,” said Ryan McNeil, who is with the B.C. Centre on Substance Use.

“For those of us in B.C. who are pushing for progressive drug policy reforms … that’s the direction that most of us want to see it go.”…

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