The study examines the impact of British Columbia's Safer Opioid Supply policy, implemented in March 2020, on opioid prescribing and related health outcomes. The policy allows individuals at high risk of overdose to receive pharmaceutical-grade opioids prescribed by healthcare professionals. Using a difference-in-differences approach, the study compares changes in outcomes in British Columbia with those in comparison provinces (Manitoba and Saskatchewan) before and after the policy's implementation. Key findings include: - A significant increase in opioid prescriptions (2619.6 per 100,000 population) and claimants (176.4 per 100,000 population) in British Columbia. - A substantial increase in opioid-related poisoning hospitalizations (3.2 per 100,000 population) but no significant change in deaths from apparent opioid toxicity. The study suggests that while the policy has led to increased opioid prescribing, it has also resulted in a higher rate of opioid-related hospitalizations. These findings provide valuable insights for ongoing debates about the policy in British Columbia and other jurisdictions considering similar measures.The study examines the impact of British Columbia's Safer Opioid Supply policy, implemented in March 2020, on opioid prescribing and related health outcomes. The policy allows individuals at high risk of overdose to receive pharmaceutical-grade opioids prescribed by healthcare professionals. Using a difference-in-differences approach, the study compares changes in outcomes in British Columbia with those in comparison provinces (Manitoba and Saskatchewan) before and after the policy's implementation. Key findings include: - A significant increase in opioid prescriptions (2619.6 per 100,000 population) and claimants (176.4 per 100,000 population) in British Columbia. - A substantial increase in opioid-related poisoning hospitalizations (3.2 per 100,000 population) but no significant change in deaths from apparent opioid toxicity. The study suggests that while the policy has led to increased opioid prescribing, it has also resulted in a higher rate of opioid-related hospitalizations. These findings provide valuable insights for ongoing debates about the policy in British Columbia and other jurisdictions considering similar measures.