The model they cited is Portugal, which decriminalized drugs years ago
BUT Portugal also increased treatment centers for drug addicts, and made it a legal requirement that anyone caught with hard drugs get mandatory addiction treatment
BC did none of that, it’s just the open Wild West there ... thus, the disturbing results we see now ...
“a learning experience for all”
That's what we should be trying here, but with the understanding that an individual is responsible for any damage to life or property they cause while under the influence, just as we do with drunk drivers.
The DEA sure isn't the answer, but neither is just letting it happen without intervention.
That is the maddening part of our drug policy. In the US at least, there is no mandatory, locked-down treatment. In most jurisdictions, its either jail (where addicts can easily get booze and drugs) or voluntary treatment (where addicts can check themselves out the first day). We need jail-like, forced, long term (1 year, 2 years) treatment where addicts are locked in for a long period. Then a halfway house after that. They reintroduction into society with long-term probation.