Staff Reports
New York City has unveiled its latest venture to help drug addicts, which might just make things worse. The city’s health officials have created a vending machine that offers anti-overdose medication and free drug paraphernalia. This is all done in the name of reducing overdose rates, which have soared in recent years, especially with the involvement of the deadly synthetic opioid, fentanyl.
New York Unveils City’s Fist Vending Machine for Drug Addicts with “Free Crack Pipes”https://t.co/rnWohHC47H
— The Daily Fetched (@DailyFetched) June 6, 2023
So, what does the vending machine offer? Well, first and foremost, there’s Naloxone, which is used for those who are overdosing. Then there are hygiene kits and safe sex kits, both provided free of charge to anyone with a New York City ZIP code. But, the vending machine also has “safer smoking” kits that come complete with pipes, mouthpieces, and lip balm to help users smoke crack and crystal meth. There are even “safer sniffing” kits as well.
The City of New York has discovered a new road to instant popularity: Offer crackheads free crack pipes.
NYC’s drug-themed vending machine cleaned out of crack pipes overnight: ‘They should re-stock’ https://t.co/LbwOFkCzPY pic.twitter.com/E8AVkWfo8D
— Crime In NYC (@CrimeInNYC) June 6, 2023
This vending machine is the first of four that will be installed in areas that have been hit hardest by the opioid crisis, according to officials. The vending machine is designed to provide free access to Naloxone, drug-test strips that detect fentanyl, crack pipes, and “safer smoking” and “safer sniffing” kits. It will be hosted by the nonprofit organization Serving the Underserved.
However, it’s worth noting that overdoses in New York City have only risen since 2020, and officials estimate that 2022 will be the deadliest year on record for overdoses if the trend continues. The city is in the midst of a crisis that is taking lives away from fellow New Yorkers every three hours, according to Health Commissioner Dr. Ashwin Vasan.
It could be argued that providing drug paraphernalia makes it easier for drug addicts to indulge in their addiction. Will this new vending machine provide critical resources, or will it be the thing that will dole out drug paraphernalia to those who need it? Conservative justice advocates must keep an eye on the fruit of this experiment.
