BC Premier Orders Review of Drug Paraphernalia Vending Machines

B.C. Premier David Eby wants the use of vending machines to dispense free drug items and testing kits at three hospitals to be reviewed after a viral video from a Conservative candidate highlighted the vending machines that dispense them.
“That’s what I’ve asked the minister of mental health and addictions to have a look at to make sure that we’re meeting that expectation that I have, and that I think every British Columbian has,” Eby said at a news conference on Aug. 27.
The vending machines dispense free items such as glass pipes, cocaine smoking kits, naloxone kits, drug-testing kits, condoms, and syringes. Island Health said research has shown the vending machines can reduce overdose rates, decrease new HIV and Hepatitis C infections, and provide more naloxone and testing kits than in-person services.
“Unfortunately, the crack pipes were out, which is no surprise since crack pipes can be traded for drugs,” she says.
Eby asked Health Canada on April 26 to amend the exemption order to decriminalize the use of those drugs in public spaces like hospitals, parks, and transit areas. “While we are caring and compassionate for those struggling with addiction, we do not accept street disorder that makes communities feel unsafe,” he said in a press release.