25 cent crack pipe vending machines go up in Vancouver

I am still waiting for the punchline on this one - but so far it seems to be on the on the money. A volunteer group in Vancouver, B.C., which had previously handed out free crack pipes to addicts has changed strategy - using vending machines to deploy crack pipes at a cost of 25 cents.

The Toronto Sun reports, the Portland Hotel Society, which operates the city's supervised injection site and manages several Downtown Eastside hotels, said the move will reduce the transmission of infectious diseases and allow users to work more closely with health professionals.

The pipes are very durable and less likely to chip and cut drug users' mouths, which helps stop the spread communicable diseases including HIV and hepatitis.



The local government does not support the machines, Federal Safety Minister Steven Blaney says that "Drug use damages the health of individuals and the safety of our communities. We believe law enforcement should enforce the law.”

No word on when Toronto mayor Rob Ford will be relocating to Vancouver - we will keep you updated!