‘The Status Quo Has Failed’: San Francisco Cancels Free Paraphernalia for Drug Addicts

The directive is simple — no more handing out drug equipment in public spaces like streets, parks, or sidewalks.

AP/Ted S. Warren, file
A volunteer cleans up needles used for drug injection that were found at a homeless encampment. AP/Ted S. Warren, file

Mayor Daniel Lurie of San Francisco is ending the practice of handing out paraphernalia to drug addicts for free unless the city staff and nonprofits first attempt to push those addicts into treatment and counseling plans.

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