They are much too nice to one another, wear nothing but flannel shirts, and take hockey waaay too seriously. But we didn't think they were actually crazy, until we heard this...
The Canadian government has recently announced that they are looking into prescribing actual heroin to inmates and drug addicts. They will be supporting a study that gives opioids to former prisoners who went through rehab after their release.
So let's get this straight: Take former criminals who are trying to quit drug habits, and give them heroin to see what happens. Not just any old dope either, but pharmaceutical grade heroin. This ain't what they're handing out in the gas station parking lot, man.
So what's the theory behind this insane use of public funds? Apparently, they think it'll help these people (wait for it) use less drugs. And here's why.
It's not the first time our Canuck cousins have tried a program like this. They have been offering similar drugs to people with addictions for the last few years, and they are actually seeing positive results!
Apparently, people who receive their fix from the government commit less crime, since they don't have to deal with other criminals.
The government is also offering to check the drugs that people buy on the street to make sure they are "safe." There has been a huge increase in fentanyl-related overdoses, so they would rather people at least avoid a tainted supply if they buy their drugs illegally.
This included setting up locations where people can partake under supervision, in case the worst happens.
Not everyone is happy about these policies, saying that it normalizes the use of drugs in society. But the government believes that this will prevent overdose-related deaths and actually lower substance abuse.
Pretty trusting, eh?