A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine examined the impact of British Columbia's Safer Opioid Supply policy, implemented in March 2020, on opioid prescribing and health outcomes. The policy allows high-risk individuals to access pharmaceutical-grade opioids prescribed by healthcare providers. The study used data from 2016 to 2022, comparing British Columbia with Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where the policy was not implemented. Results showed a significant increase in opioid prescriptions and claimants in British Columbia, but also a rise in opioid-related poisoning hospitalizations. There was no significant change in opioid-related deaths. The study highlights the complex effects of the policy, suggesting that while it increased access to safer opioids, it also raised concerns about potential misuse and diversion. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and risks of safer supply programs in addressing the opioid crisis.A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine examined the impact of British Columbia's Safer Opioid Supply policy, implemented in March 2020, on opioid prescribing and health outcomes. The policy allows high-risk individuals to access pharmaceutical-grade opioids prescribed by healthcare providers. The study used data from 2016 to 2022, comparing British Columbia with Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where the policy was not implemented. Results showed a significant increase in opioid prescriptions and claimants in British Columbia, but also a rise in opioid-related poisoning hospitalizations. There was no significant change in opioid-related deaths. The study highlights the complex effects of the policy, suggesting that while it increased access to safer opioids, it also raised concerns about potential misuse and diversion. The findings contribute to ongoing discussions about the effectiveness and risks of safer supply programs in addressing the opioid crisis.