Correctional Service Canada to provide drug harm reduction kits to inmates

Correctional Service Canada is set to begin distributing harm reduction kits to inmates in federal prisons starting October 13. According to an internal memo, the initiative includes providing biodegradable paper straws intended for inhaling powdered substances or vapors, as well as thicker foil strips for smoking substances.

The department stated that the paper straws are intended to reduce physical harm, such as cuts or tears inside the nose caused by plastic or homemade devices, and to lower the spread of diseases like hepatitis B and C. Inmates will be permitted to keep up to two paper straws and three foil strips in their cells.

The rollout comes in response to reported increases in substance inhalation, smoking, and snorting among federal inmates. A 2025 report from Correctional Service Canada indicated that nearly 20% of male inmates reported snorting drugs in prison. While the agency maintains it has robust measures to combat the trafficking and distribution of unauthorized substances, prison nurses will be involved in distributing the gear and instructing inmates on its use.