Canada's street supply of opioids is becoming increasingly toxic, unpredictable and contaminated thanks to ultra-potent and deadly mixtures of fentanyl, prompting renewed calls for safe supply programs that could help regain control of the drug supply.
EDMONTON -- Canada's street supply of opioids is becoming increasingly toxic, unpredictable and contaminated thanks to ultra-potent and deadly mixtures of fentanyl, prompting renewed calls for safe supply programs that could help regain control of the drug supply and save lives.
“Fentanyl can be used safely … but it can’t be used safely when you have no idea how much fentanyl is in it.”Toronto’s anonymous drug-checking serviceMcDonald says the lab has been detecting an increasing number of ultra-potent opioids – drug mixtures that are considered to be five to 20 times stronger than fentanyl alone – in recent months, as well as a spike in suspected overdose deaths.
According to the study, the amount of fentanyl detected in Toronto’s wastewater supply tripled early in the COVID-19 pandemic. Per-capita loads of fentanyl in Vancouver were more than four times higher than in any other city, with detectable loads jumping 66 per cent between March and July 2020 compared to last year.
“There are some safer opioid programs that are starting to be introduced. This is like a form of regulation. A person with an opioid dependency would be transitioned off of the street [supply] and onto a pharmaceutical supply.”
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
New Zealand to face France in final; Canada finishes 9th - TSN.caGayle Broughton spun out of two tackles and touched down as she rolled into the in-goal area in extra time to clinch a spot in the Olympic final for New Zealand, and let her nation regain its breath.
Read more »
Flames prospect Kerins eager to make the most of first Hockey Canada campAttending his first Hockey Canada camp, Stockton Heat forward Rory Kerins says that after not being selected to attend U17 or U18 camp rosters, he put in the work in the AHL to get a chance to attend this time.
Read more »
Rugby Canada relieves former star player of coaching duties over social media postsRugby Canada fired Jamie Cudmore, a former star player in charge of developing the next generation of talent, on Friday for a series of social media posts belittling the women's sevens team.
Read more »
Tokyo Olympics: Kylie Masse wins second silver — Canada swim team’s fifth medal so farThis morning, watch Canada’s Andre De Grasse in the men’s 100 metre first round, Boady Santavy in his weightlifting final
Read more »
Small museums in Canada evolve to include Indigenous historyThe Canmore Museum could be held up as an example of how small museums in Canada are evolving to better represent Canadian history by including Indigenous contributions and perspectives
Read more »