Shifting views on decriminalization in British Columbia: insights from public opinion polling, 2024–2025

Background: In January 2023, British Columbia (BC) implemented a three-year pilot decriminalizing possession of up to 2.5 grams of certain illegal drugs, including opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine, and MDMA, the first policy of its kind in Canada. This initiative has faced scrutiny, culminating in a May 2024 amendment banning possession and use in public spaces.Objectives: To examine public opinion on BC’s decriminalization policy by assessing perceptions of the 2024 policy amendment, potential changes in support between 2024 and 2025, and demographic factors associated with support for repealing the policy.Methods: We analyzed two waves of online, non-probability surveys of BC adults (male 48%, non-male 52%): Wave 1 (March 26–April 1, 2024; N = 1,202) and Wave 2 (February 12–18, 2025; N = 1,200). Changes in values between both waves were tested with Rao-Scott chi-square analyses, and demographic predictors of support for the policy’s repeal were assessed using multinomial logistic regression.Results: Support for decriminalization weakened between 2024 and 2025, as opposition rose from 41% to 47% (p = .0427). Fewer respondents believed decriminalization reduced criminalization (50% vs. 39%; p < .0001), reduced policing costs (37% vs. 25%; p < .0001), or improved treatment access (34% vs. 27%; p = .0229). Disagreement that decriminalization reduced stigma increased from 45% to 55% (p < .0001), while perceptions of community safety declined from 28% vs. 22% (p = .0019). Overall, 61% supported the amendment, and 46% supported repeal, with support varying by age, gender, region, education, and household composition.Conclusion: Public opinion in BC reflects growing skepticism toward decriminalization, strong support for public use restrictions, and significant backing for the policy’s repeal. Without visible improvements in overdose prevention, service access, and public communication, the policy’s long-term viability remains uncertain. Sustained investments in harm reduction and strategic public messaging are essential.