Safer Snorting in Canadian Prisons

"[Paper straws are being] introduced [for] safer snorting, intended for inhaling substances in powdered form or inhaling vapour from heated substances."

"[Paper straws will] reduce harm [by decreasing risk of internal nose cuts that could happen with home-made or plastic straws, and reduce infections from diseases like hepatitis B and C, while] recognizing that overdose and toxicity risks remain." 

"[These items are being introduced] in response to increased inhalation, smoking and snorting substances among federal inmates."

"Harm reduction must adapt to reduce overdose risks, prevent the transmission of infectious diseases and align with current evidence-based practices." 

Correctional Service Canada memo to federal prisons

William Head Institution is shown through a security fence in Victoria, B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Lam

 

Additionally, according to the memo, foil strips will also be distributed "for safer smoking". Drug-testing strips for fentanyl, benzodiazepine and xylazine will also be included. If found on their own, the new harm reduction items should not result in criminal charges. If they're "found alongside illicit substances or unauthorized paraphernalia, standard operational procedures ... must be followed". Confused yet?

 

The memorandum issued by Correctional Service Canada came to public notice when photos of the memo distributed to Corrections staff, were included in a social media post. The communication, according to CSC communications officer Laurence Cote, "was developed ... to provide information to all employees regarding the expansion of harm reduction products". CSC health services include "harm reduction measures" designed to prevent and minimize "harms related to substance use".

 

Since Correctional Service of Canada's National Drugs and Substances Strategy recognizes substance use as a health issue, approved harm reduction supplies are not considered to be contraband. On the other hand, these "safer snorting" items do not counteract the fact that the CSC "maintains robust measures" to address "introduction, trafficking, financing, and distribution of unauthorized substances ... within its institutions, and holds those involved accountable". There, does that make the issue more sensible and the CSC decision-making more sensibly responsible?

 

 

 In-prison training for Health Services staff who are responsible for distributing the supplies to inmates will begin in several days' time. Until then -- October 1 -- implementation will await its opportunity two weeks later -- October 13. At which time, according to CSC, the training sessions will have been completed, and staff and inmates jointly anticipate a relaxed and leisurely transition to snorting safely in the comfort of knowing that rescue is nearby and available at all hours should things go sideways.

 

After all, what possibly could go wrong? The government of Canada under the compassionate, progressive Liberal banner knows how to proceed with the ills suffocating society in the 21st century. Drug addiction is a bad, nasty word. Drug dependency is a medical term, that ushers the drug-addicted into a cocoon of government care, becoming a purely health issue. And for the good of their health, those who crave recreational drugs to make them insensible to reality, self-agency, responsibility, and life itself, can rely on this government to help them in their incoherent, chaotic mission to waste their lives.

 

Drug-addicted Canadians, felons, take heart -- the government of Canada and the Correctional Service of Canada -- at your service! Rehabilitation? Fogetaboutit!

 

Drug snorting. Corrections Canada has confirmed that paper straws will soon be distributed in federal prisons to facilitate safe snorting of drugs. (File photo) Ernest Doroszuk/Toronto Sun/Postmedia

 

"[Harm reduction interventions] are widely recognized as cost-effective because they help prevent the transmission of infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis C, reducing the need for significantly more expensive medical treatment and long-term health care costs associated with these conditions."

"Health Services staff will provide education and guidance to support informed and appropriate use of these supplies."

Correctional Service Canada memo