The crisis of overdose deaths in British Columbia is a multifaceted and complex issue. British Columbia has taken a pioneering role in addressing this crisis by establishing the first supervised injection sites in North America, implementing widespread access to opiate replacement therapy, making novel treatment options available through physicians, and decriminalizing the possession of small quantities of drugs for personal use.
Despite these efforts, the most recent coroner’s report indicates that the province is experiencing a staggering rate of 6 overdose deaths daily. Public health officials report that the majority of fatalities involve people who use drugs occasionally rather than people who use substances on a daily basis.
While decriminalization may assist in reducing stigma, it does not effectively address the issue of individuals acquiring toxic drugs and perishing at an alarming rate. To address this challenge, experts suggest that one potential course of action would involve providing people who use drugs with an opportunity to purchase certified drugs with known levels of purity and quantity. While this notion may be difficult for some to accept, many experts suggest that this represents a rational next step.
We defer to specialists in this area to determine the specifics of how this could be implemented, and do not engage in promoting or launching safer supply initiatives, however we are eager to support researchers and clinicians working in this domain.
Our organization’s original objective was to investigate potential partnerships with researchers investigating psychedelic therapies, such as psilocybin treatment for treatment resistant depression, and we have since expanded our focus.
We are currently exploring ways to leverage our expertise and global connections to facilitate the efforts of researchers and clinicians who seek to extend the scope of treatments, interventions, and research studies.
NOTE: Oryx Biomed Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sunshine Earth Labs Ltd, is licensed by Health Canada to conduct the following regulated activities: possession, production, sale, transportation and delivery of psychedelics and approved controlled substances for mental health and addiction under the tight limitations imposed by Health Canada.
For further information, please refer to the following source: coroners-service/statistical/illicit-drug.pdf
We acknowledge the traditional, unceded territories of the Coast Salish People, specifically the Lkwungen (Lekwungen) People.
Disclaimer: Sale of these substances can only occur under the specific guidelines of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Sale is allowed to another licensed dealer, pharmacist, practitioner, or hospital employee provided they have the necessary Health Canada License. This license does not permit the sale of any of these substances to the general public.