A California Assemblywoman wants to see legal clinics in the state where heroin, crack, and other drugs could be legally used by addicts as a way to cut down on overdoses.
The bill, from Democratic Assemblywoman Susan Talamantes Eggman, was proposed Tuesday. It would make it legal for local and state health departments to allow the use of controlled substances in approved clinics that would offer medical intervention.
“Addiction is a health care issue, and I think it’s high time we started treating it as a public health issue, versus a criminal issue,” Eggman told US News and World Report. “This bill is one step to be able to address the heroin addiction and epidemic of overdoses that we’re having in our country.”
#AB2495 will be crucial 1st step in addressing drug overdoses in US. TY Canadian Senator Campbell for joining #CALeg pic.twitter.com/u9o69Q0LWW
— Asm. Susan Eggman (@AsmSusanEggman) April 5, 2016
Those who support the plan believe that it would reduce deaths and the transmission of HIV and Hep C. The facilities would be similar to the only supervised injection facility in North America – which was established 13 years ago in Vancouver, Canada.
That clinic, called Insite, also provides clean needles and a safe zone for drug users, health care services, vaccinations, mental health treatment and addiction counsellors.
Naturally, cops in the state have opposed the law – saying it will only worsen the problem and other lawmakers have already postponed a committee vote on the bill.
“This sends entirely the wrong message regarding drug use and likely creates civil liability issues for participating governments and officials,” said Asha Harris, spokeswoman for the California State Sheriffs’ Association.
