Poll respondents oppose decriminalization of illicit drugs

By Shawn Slaght

Saskatchewan should not follow suit with British Columbia when it comes to decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs for personal use, according to the latest poll done by Discover Moose Jaw.

According to the poll, 76 per cent of respondents said “no” Saskatchewan shouldn’t consider decriminalization.

Meanwhile, 16 per cent of those that took the poll said ‘yes’ Saskatchewan should decriminalize the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs. About 7.9 per cent of respondents said Saskatchewan should wait and see how the pilot program works in B.C.

The pilot program in B.C. began on Jan. 31 and will run until Jan. 31, 2026. The province received an exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.

The program’s goal is to reduce barriers and the stigma around drug use to allow people to access supports and services and treat addictions as a public health matter, not a criminal justice issue.

Decriminalization in B.C. means adults 18 years of age or older can possess 2.5 grams or less of illegal drugs for personal use without being arrested or charged. The drugs covered by the pilot program include opioids such as heroin, morphine and fentanyl, crack and powder cocaine, methamphetamine and ecstasy.

The decriminalization of these drugs does not mean they are legalized. The drugs cannot be sold in stores and drug trafficking will remain illegal in B.C.

You can find a full breakdown of Discover Moose Jaw’s poll below. Please note, this was an online poll and not a scientific survey, so there will be a margin of error.