B.C. nurses were empowered to prescribe pharmaceutical alternatives to street drugs yet in September, but four months later the public health order still hasn't been implemented.

The move is intended to fight the escalating overdose crisis, but would require a federal exemption from drug laws.

Thirty-one people died, the equivalent of one person each day.

Drug users are reporting prolonged sedation when using the substance.

“Personal possession and use of drugs is not a criminal justice issue, it is a health issue,” Stewart said in a statement.

Oregon also voted Tuesday on Measure 109, which legalizes the psychotherapeutic use of psilocybin — otherwise known as psychedelic mushrooms.

Olivia Dalton, 21, died in October, one of thousands of British Columbians who have died after taking drugs tainted with fentanyl.

It's a 112-per-cent increase over the same period last year, but is down 15 per cent from the month prior.

With election day looming, there's hope the next government can make progress. But Mike Smyth says a pattern has been repeating itself.

Pharmacies across Nova Scotia are helping to increase access to harm reduction services.