Adults in British Columbia will be allowed to possess small amounts of some illicit drugs starting next year, the federal government announced — a move that marks a dramatic shift in Canada's drug policy. The federal government says Canadians 18 years of age and older will be able to possess up to a cumulative 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and MDMA within British Columbia. The announcement is in response to a request from the province for an exemption from the law criminalizing drug possession. Critics take issue with low threshold amount, delay in implementation and potential for discrimination. (See also: British Columbia will decriminalize drug possession | B.C. decriminalization plan won't do much to stop toxic drug deaths, says chief coroner)