Public support of and attitudes toward decriminalization of possession of illegal drugs among the general population in British Columbia

Abstract

Abstract Background Decriminalization of possession of illegal drugs was implemented in British Columbia, Canada for a three-year period starting from January 31, 2023. As public sentiment played a large role in the outcome of a similar reform in Oregon, United States, it is important to examine the public’s perceptions of this policy. We examined public support of and attitudes toward decriminalization. Methods Data were from an online, non-probability, cross-sectional survey of adults who spoke English and resided in British Columbia (N = 1,202; March to April 2024). One item assessed support of decriminalization, and ten items assessed attitudes toward decriminalization. The analytical strategy involved descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression. Results In regards to support of decriminalization, 41% did not support decriminalization, 26% were neutral or not sure about supporting decriminalization and 33% supported decriminalization. The majority agreed that decriminalization will reduce criminalization of drugs (50%) and encourage drug use experimentation (53%). More agreed (44%) than disagreed (28%) that decriminalization made them feel less safe. The majority disagreed that decriminalization will reduce overdoses (55%) and drug-related crimes (50%). Older age was associated with an increased likelihood of not supporting decriminalization compared with being neutral or not sure about supporting decriminalization (OR [95% CI]: 1.97 [1.35 to 2.88] for 40 to 59 years old; 1.89 [1.19 to 3.02] for ≥ 60 years old), and female or another gender was associated with a decreased likelihood of supporting decriminalization compared with being neutral or not sure about supporting decriminalization (0.66 [0.47 to 0.91]). Conclusions Public support of decriminalization was not strong, which may be rooted in lack of robust confidence in decriminalization to achieve its goals and increased public safety concerns. These findings necessitate ongoing evaluations of the policy and increasing knowledge mobilization activities to keep the public abreast of the latest developments.