Decriminalization could decrease impact of illicit drugs, addiction, Ottawa officials say

The decriminalization of all illegal drugs — not just marijuana — may help decrease the devastating effects of drug use and addiction in Ottawa, city officials said Wednesday.
They were responding to a suggestion by Toronto’s medical officer of health that such a drastic move could help address Canada’s spiralling opioid crisis.
Dr. Eileen De Villa told reporters last week the current approach to drugs in her city and across the country “doesn’t