Decriminalizing personal drug use

 The WSJ has the story

Some Cities Turn to Decriminalizing Drugs as Overdoses Climb. Toronto follows Vancouver and the state of Oregon in seeking to make it legal to carry small amounts of heroin, fentanyl and other drugs for personal use.  By Vipal Monga

"Canada’s largest city is the latest jurisdiction aiming to decriminalize drug possession as it faces a surging overdose epidemic.

"Toronto’s board of health this month said it would seek permission from Canada’s federal government to allow drug users to carry small amounts of drugs for personal use, including heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, without fear of prosecution. The exemption wouldn’t cover drug trafficking, which would remain a criminal offense.

"City officials hope that decriminalization will make it easier for people to get help. They say it could also make it easier for drug users to get jobs and stable housing because they won’t have criminal records.

...

"The new policies and proposals come as officials say they are seeking ways of handling an overdose epidemic that has swept across North America. Drug users are dying in record numbers as an increasingly toxic drug supply overwhelms the black market.

“The current approaches to drug policy and regulation are not working,” said Dr. Eileen de Villa, medical officer for Toronto, during a presentation to the city’s board of health on Dec. 6."