Safer Opioid Supply, Subsequent Drug Decriminalization, and Opioid Overdoses.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

British Columbia, Canada, was the first and only jurisdiction globally to implement a province-wide safer supply policy, which offered pharmaceutical grade opioids to individuals at risk of opioid overdose, followed by the decriminalization of drug possession. Supporters of the safer supply policy argue that this policy could save lives by offering pharmaceutical-grade opioids to people who use toxic street drugs. Similarly, proponents of decriminalization suggest that decriminalizing drug possession could reduce drug overdoses by reducing stigma associated with drug use and enabling persons who use drugs to seek addictions treatment. However, critics of both policies believe that providing safer opioids and removing penalties for drug possession may worsen the crisis. C

SUBMITTER: Nguyen HV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11929020 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature