Then (2015), Chasing the Scream
The Safe Supply Experiment: British Columbia 2023-2024
Hari argued in Chasing the Scream that harm reduction, providing people with safe, known-quality drugs rather than leaving them to the illegal market, was more effective than criminalization at reducing death, disease, and social harm. He did not specifically discuss 'safe supply' (pharmaceutical-grade alternatives to street drugs) as a policy mechanism, but his logic pointed directly toward it.
partially-confirmed
British Columbia introduced a safe supply pilot program in 2020: people with opioid use disorder could receive pharmaceutical-grade hydromorphone (an opioid) from participating providers rather than purchasing fentanyl-contaminated street drugs. Early results (2022-2023): participants showed significantly reduced overdose rates; employment and housing stability improved; crime decreased. Political backlash: Conservative opposition characterized the program as 'giving out drugs.' In spring 2024, BC's NDP government reduced the program under political pressure. Federal Health Minister Mark Holland restricted safe supply further in June 2024. The program was partially dismantled despite its effectiveness, demonstrating that evidence-based harm reduction is politically constrained even when it works.
Sources
- BC Centre for Disease Control, Safe Supply Evaluation (2023)
- BC Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions reports
- Canadian Drug Policy Coalition analysis (2024)