Evaluation of decriminalizing small amounts of illicit drugs in Victoria, BC: A seasonally adjusted interrupted time-series analysis of police data
Enforcement shifts preceded formal decriminalization, possibly reflecting anticipatory changes in policing practices. The post-implementation increases in seizure weights, alongside declining low-weight seizures, may indicate a reallocation of enforcement away from personal possession. To strengthen the impact of decriminalization, future efforts should prioritize clear policy communication, implementation training, and alignment between enforcement practices and public health goals.
Authors
- Timothy S. Naimi (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9849-4413)
- Karen Urbanoski (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7017-3546)
- Jaime Arredondo Sanchez Lira
- Jinhui Zhao (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2166-5370)
- Alexander G Kuzma-Hunt
Institutions
- University of Victoria (CA)
Publication Details
- Journal
- International Journal of Drug Policy
- Published
- 2025-11-16
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugpo.2025.105063
- Citations
- 1
- Primary Topic
- Forensic Toxicology and Drug Analysis
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 1.31