Party drugs test kits gaining popularity
Posted August 24, 2014 8:22 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – In an effort to try and prevent overdose deaths like the one that happened in Pemberton last month, a Toronto harm-reduction group is introducing test kits for party drugs.
Owner of the Montreal company Test Kit Plus Karim Rifaat says many illegal drug users don’t even know test kits exist. “I still think it is kind of a bit under the radar to be honest but I think awareness is slowly growing, which is good news.”
The Trip Project says education is always the first approach, but the kits can help people who will take drugs anyway. The group says the tests for party drugs aren’t perfect, but they could still help prevent overdose deaths like the one in Pemberton.
Adrienne Smith with the Pivot Legal Society says this kind of approach acknowledges that some people do drugs, regardless if they are legal or not.
“Currently illicit drug use is happening at parties. What we do about that is the important question and what the harm reduction community has decided to do is acknowledge it is happening and to address some of the harm so that people don’t die.” Smith explains.
Trip Project co-coordinator Lori Kufner says interest in music festivals is growing and people should be aware of the harm-reduction measures available to them.
