The federal prisons in Canada will be distributing paper straws to inmates to facilitate safe snorting of drugs, the Correctional Service of Canada (CSC) confirmed this week. The paper straws are expected to reduce harm by lowering the risks of cuts or tears inside the nose as well as reduce the risk of blood-borne infections spreading, whilst recognising that overdose and toxicity risk remain.
As per a CSC report published last year, between 20 and 22 per cent of men entering Canadian prisons reported “a lifetime history of injection drug use,” as did 27 to 29 percent of women.
Apart from the paper straws, prisoners will also be given access to drug testing strips for fentanyl, benzodiazepine and xylazine to avoid drug overdose.
“This needs-based initiative supports CSC’s continuum of care for substance use, which aims to reduce health harms, prevent overdose, limit infectious disease transmission, and promote rehabilitation and recovery.”
