Finger wagging vs. frank discussion: We need to talk about party drugs
How much of a problem are drug overdoses at Canadian music festivals — and what can be done? Two sobering perspectives.
"In the world of electronic dance music, summer is high season." So begins Lauren McKeon's recent Toronto Life story on party drugs, overdoses and the blitzed-out culture of big dance festivals.
As a rising numbers of revelers take drugs like MDMA, or "Molly", we ask: are the risks higher than they were in the days of Woodstock? Is harm reduction a better solution than encouraging abstinence?
For insight, Shad checks in with two guests:
- Journalist Lauren McKeon, who gives us sober insights and a ground-level view of a major music festival
- Jonas Coltar, who organizes Nova Scotia's Evolve festival, says it's time to have honest conversations about keeping attendees safe.
q: Are harm reduction zones and drug testing kits the best way to protect concertgoers? Do efforts to make drug use safer somehow normalize or condone it? Weigh in below.