This City Decriminalized All Drugs. Is It Working?

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[@GEN]

Go to ground.news/Gen to stay fully informed on breaking news, compare coverage and avoid media bias. They’re giving my viewers 40% off the same plan I use - their Ground News Vantage subscription. And I think it's worth checking out. Also...would love to hear your thoughts on this topic. Let's start a thread...

[@joshuataylor3550]

You can't just say you won't dramatise and then continue to do that.

[@deekaysky]

@@joshuataylor3550how did he dramatize it? He asked both sides was respectful of people who didn’t want to be filmed and accommodated their requests. If you’re going to make that claim at least provide examples

[@ryanlewis9418]

Do fart decriminalisation next, we aren't safe anymore!

[@fullmetal313]

14:37 this guy is spot on make it legal to purchase safe drugs. I’m in Maine when pills were the epidemic. I never seen any of my friends die. It did happen but was super rare. This war on drugs forced the prescription abuse out and now the streets r flooded with meth and fentanyl and now ppl r dying daily the homeless rate sky rocketed and crime has increased drastically… this war on drugs has done nothing but make everything far worse and we need to try something else. Clean 10 years now ❤ I use to chew on fentanyl patches 😂 so I was pretty bad. Having been on both sides I would 100% be on board with legalization and safe/cheap drugs that would stop overdoses reduce crime and give ppl safe places to use so I don’t have to worry about my daughter falling on used needles while walking to school…

[@ryanlewis9418]

@@fullmetal313 Fart before you purchase the fentanyl sir!

[@BrownGeorge-pw2xo]

I started doing drugs years ago as a teenage, got addicted to heroin. Spent my whole life fighting heroin addiction. I suffered severe depression and mental disorder. Got diagnosed with cptsd. Not until my son recommended me to psilocybin mushrooms treatment. Psilocybin treatment saved my life honestly. 6 years totally clean. Never thought I would be saying this about mushrooms.

[@CARIBBEAN_365]

Amen God bless people. Save your health save your mind. Life is better without heroin, cocaine, alcohol and cigarettes. And you have more money in your pocket. God bless everyone who has rejected the devils intentions to be addicted to alcohol and cigarettes etc which can cause so much damage to health.

[@Paul_Michael]

Hey mates! Can you help with the source? I suffer severe anxiety, panic and depression and I usually take prescription medicine, but they don't always help. Where can I find those psilocybin mushrooms? I'm really interested in treating my mental health without Rxs. I live in Australia don't know much about these. I'm so glad they helped you. I can't wait to get them too. Really need a reliable source 🙏

[@SusanaGomez-mp8sk]

YES very sure of Dr.alishrooms. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD and addiction and Mushrooms definitely made a huge huge difference to why am clean today.

[@NicoleCtirad]

Congrats! I'm really happy for you that your son decided to help you. I always admire those who beat their addiction. Knowing it's possible to fix your life knowing there's people out there that have done what I thought was impossible gives me hope I will make it through as well. Those who share their experiences don't know how much it helps when you're about to give up, it gives you the strength knowing somone who actully know what it's like to go through this tell you it's possible, it's not the same somone telling you you can do it when they have no idea what it's like, but hearing somone who knows what it's like that helps a lot since you understand it firsthand and made it out gives so much hope. so thanks for sharing.

[@Wimruther-hk4zn]

How do I reach out to him? Is he on insta

[@RogueNeighShun]

You won't know what's in the dark until you shine a light on it. Keep shining, brother.

[@infinitivez]

demons who wonder out from the darkness, are often willing to share. you really don't need to enter the pits with a spotlight, when a match will do

[@ChargersAndCelticsGang]

Fentanyl is no joke! I was hooked on opiates for 10 years and then heavily hooked on fetty for 2 years. What makes it so scary is it does feel amazing, but will hook you IMMEDIATELY and ruin your life, especially with the very short shelf life! I was just tired of living life like that tho and decided to get clean. Did it at home with my lady by my side and man it was a grueling few weeks, especially the first 10 days, but I did it! I got clean and have been clean for 2 years! Could have died getting clean at home without medical help, but I was determined. Now we just bought our first house, child on the way, and life is great! I wish I could warn all first time users to stay far away from this drug…but I can’t. So I wish everyone the best and please stay safe.

[@kclauren6052]

Good for you. Keep it up! It's never worth going back when you've come so far ❤

[@devondefilippi8447]

Congrats!

[@stampthelamp]

Good on you, man! It's always good to see the success stories!

[@NadiaSeesIt]

Well done, I'm proud of you. My dad died from fentanyl on the streets of LA last October. Please don't end up like him.

[@DuncanDonDuken]

Congrats my dude 💖

[@colonelcase6193]

Live in bc and went out clubbing one night. A friend opened a beer on the sidewalk (illegal) cop comes over says you cant do that but you can shoot up heroin instead. Drunk me was stunned by that fact.

[@markoates9057]

That's messed. I figure there's two tiers, 1) those who can, and are held accountable for their actions, and 2) those who can't, and are not held accountable for their actions. Both classes are treated in a way that enables them to improve their status and wellbeing in life. In short, those in higher society are held to a higher standard. For me personally, I'd like to see this "homeless people privilege" behaviour punished more and to set a higher standard in overall society. We've seen some messed up stuff in our city.

[@abundantharmony]

@@markoates9057 Whoever decides who "can and cant" is a fool. ANYONE can be at the top of the ladder one day and on the streets the next month, seeking some dope.

[@NUTFLICKS]

How crazy things have gotten eh

[@NightmareRex6]

@@markoates9057 ODD says money = slavory , slavory = money. and i think can see that becuase notice if financualy free then socity expects so much out tyou if not rich then dont have that financial freedom but have other freedoms.. how to get rich and have both sides?

[@foolish.intellectual9967]

@@markoates9057very abstract and not possible in our current world but we need to get rid of this “high society” thing they would be nowhere without us flippin patties and laying concrete they would be just as fucked as we are these classes arnt actually real if anything they are lower then regular people they are the people who destroy the earth not us they are also the ones that cause poverty and war and famine

[@thepoppersshow]

This is not drug decriminalization done correctly. They’re trying to copy something they don’t understand, this isn’t care, it’s neglect.

[@andergarcia4953]

They're modeling off sweden I believe. But thing is Sweden mplemented sites where they can do it safely and in private care of health professionals. And had rehabilitation programs. So this wouldnt happen.

[@infinitivez]

That's the biggest problem here in PDX. We're missing the housing and rehabilitation part. There's no real homes or job offerings in the inner city. The rent blasted up beyond anything a person in recovery could afford. To get people safe and clean, we'd almost have to move them outside the city center. Taking them away from other resources. If this is ever to be a thing, we have to be like Sweden and make it a ONE STOP SHOP for everything. Housing, food, drug rehab, learning, and work placement.

[@thepoppersshow]

@@infinitivez @andergarcia4953 it really is a shame seeing this as a propaganda tool against the idea

[@noladavis5085]

Exactly. They're ignoring the Harm Prevention side of things. It seems to me that they can't deal with the problem so they have chosen to just ignore it. I was a heroin addict for over 20 years and over that time things have got massively worse. I'm English, lived in a small seaside town and when I started using in 96 there were a handful of addicts. When I moved away in 2019 homelessness was common and people were banging up on the street. There used to be one dealer, now there's at least 10 in a town with a population of around 50,000. The government missed its chance to sort the issue out.

[@tgr5312]

Sweden has civilized people, the US is in a mental health crisis. You can't allow people to be trusted with their own choices when they can't even take care of themselves.

[@Purplepinkmom]

They don't want us to see them in their shame. It forces them to confront themselves. Ans that makes them very, very uncomfortable. As it should.

[@surojsarkar6054]

Shaming need to exit in society .

[@bunman3033]

​@@surojsarkar6054 why? If we allow this to continue it's only gunna be worse. Being nice isn't helping, I think a little shame for these ppl turning our country into the 3rd world.

[@blahblahgdp]

@@bunman3033 shaming them isnt gonna help either. Lots of non-addicts here that dont understand how it works. lmao. Being apathetic and being shameful both dont help.

[@tracyaf6084]

@@blahblahgdp what does help other than waiting for them to come to the desire to stop on their own?

[@truthismycause2800]

​@@blahblahgdpShaming and fearmongering was part of the strategy in the portuguese solution and it worked. Drug addicts aren't victims, they're the makers of their own demise.

[@j6302]

I watched the Tyler Oliveira video and appreciated that it was undoctored. Yeah, the filming was maybe a bit unethical in that it was embarrassing for the individual, but it does show the reality of the program and that culture. It’s really not helping much in the long run, and it’s why it’s ending.

[@hoomanbeing4918]

What I don't appreciate about Tyler Oliveira is that he asks "leading questions" and gets the answers that best fits his narratives. In my personal opinion what GEN does is journalism and in journalism you never feed the answers and rather be open to listening to the facts.

[@joshuataylor3550]

What you forget is that criminalisation also wasn't helping.... Decriminalization worked in Portugal because people were forced into rehab as well. BC needs that level of response. Difference is Europeans trust their governments a lot more than north americans.

[@DontBeBrainwashed]

@@joshuataylor3550 decriminalization does not work when ppl are still getting the same shitty drugs. it only works if they legalize it and sell it at the stores and it has to be regulated so ppl arent overdosing and dying on the streets

[@bored0886]

​@@joshuataylor3550meh criminalization does help for non drug users which are the majority and also the affected

[@corystarkiller]

What's embarrassing is that my government let it get this far to begin with. Don't worry about the virtue signalling by social media. They're not reality. What's embarrassing is being addicted to drugs, not it being known.

[@atticuswoodhead3760]

I love that Gen is quiet a lot more than other KZbin investigators and lets the video unwind without interference, he covers both sides and asks the questions that need to be answered. He records trying to find the best in people rather than exploiting the issue for views or money. I feel like at the end of the video I’m able to make my own decision rather than being swayed a certain way. To me this is Information is far more valuable than any major news outlet could give me. THANK YOU!

[@FANTOllVll]

I’ve said this probably millions of times at this point. It has never been illegal to provide treatment to anyone suffering from addiction. Never. Legalizing drugs so that you can “reduce stigma” does absolutely nothing put promote ODs.

[@shugar8204]

I was thinking the same thing. I've been on Hastings myself and I am now clean 7 years. I went to treatment multiple times and never once did I feel that I was scared to get help because of stigma. There were countless places I could walk into to get help, if I wanted it.

[@FANTOllVll]

@@shugar8204 congratulations on getting clean! But yes, even in the US during the war on drugs, it was never illegal to be high or an addict and seek treatment, in fact that’s what the government would prefer. If you were a dealer that was different, but the people suffering from addiction were always welcomed to seek help.

[@jase4270]

No it does not

[@suetrublu]

Drugs are not legal in any of these cities. Decriminalization still forces people to go to street dealers.

[@FANTOllVll]

@@suetrublu that’s not what we are talking about. The drug doesn’t have to be legal to seek help getting off the drug and it never has been.

[@hassathunter2464]

"He lied" What's the lie? "Well he didn't lie, but you shouldn't show it!" Uhuh...

[@MyOwnPersonalFantasy]

Was it ever stated how he lied in his documentary? I'm so confused by that. I'm going to try to find it and watch it. That bald man keeps saying it but I'm to the end of the video and it never gets addressed.

[@hassathunter2464]

@@MyOwnPersonalFantasy Nope.

[@MyOwnPersonalFantasy]

@@hassathunter2464 Well, that's confusing and very weird. That's a big allegation and you'd think someone would want to give details about something like that, bring light to it. I think he's just upset that someone documented things about that area that he is emotional about due to personal experience. I don't know if I agree with the whole "get that camera out of her or else" mindset. I don't know if I would describe that as exploitative. It certainly can be with some insensitive idiotic content creators who are doing it just for attention especially if they're rude but I don't know, I didn't get that vibe from him or his video or any documentaries about this particular issue. Very weird.

[@Disrtict6]

@@MyOwnPersonalFantasy either Guy was having an off day or his key points didn't make the cut here. One Oliviera lie is sneaking into a low barrier shelter and calling it a neglected safe injection site. When called out he doubled down by saying "yeah, but still I felt unsafe" Also Dahlgren & Oliveira ignore that Vancouver has long been an insane drug party

[@Nic-moon]

Also, that bit of Tyler’s video that was sensationalized, the part where the guy has an overdose in real time. Anybody can walk down east Hastings for 10 min and will witness the same thing. Thank you to both of you for bringing attention to this matter

[@robinhood6143]

i live next to vancouver. and its gotten so much worse since decriminalisation. I avoid the city at all cost.

[@joshuataylor3550]

It's gotten worse since COVID

[@martialartist3953]

@@joshuataylor3550that was their plan

[@iankmak]

​​@@joshuataylor3550everywhere has gotten worse since COVID. It's also gotten worse since Fentanyl as well. You have multiple confounding variables here. One comparison you can make is Vancouver vs Toronto which didn't decriminalize everything. It's not as bad in Toronto but it's a different place, different climate, and different government strategies as well. I think the only thing that's certain is decriminalization didn't really improve the situation.

[@toedrag-release]

​@@joshuataylor3550ah yes the most common symptom of COVID, an irrational need to use drugs🙄

[@Olof-mh4do]

more china gets control, the more their drug war intensifies. communists conquer from the inside.

[@Meds993]

I'm Portuguese and I can tell you that the drug problem in Lisbon and Porto is rampant. The statistics don't reflect it because, since it's no longer a crime, it doesn't show on police reports. And yes we don't have the fentanyl issue as bad as you guys do.

[@lindsaytruax234]

Well its not shocking that people are using outdated studies

[@GustavoPinho89]

It's wishful thinking to try and copy something you think solved someone else's problem without any understanding of follow up. Canadians need to send Gen to Portugal to talk to people on the streets, law enforcement and healthcare professionals to get a true notion of what the results are

[@WolfOfIberia]

I live in Lisbon, work in the city and I don't see a rampant drug issue. Yes there are homeless, more each passing year. But I don't see them on drugs. At least not in any obvious way. Honestly, I think Portugal did great when it came to the opiod crisis in the 90's.

[@Meds993]

@@WolfOfIberia have you been to Martim Moniz lately? If you go out on the weekend to Cais do Sodré you literally get offered drugs in the middle of the street. I've had people offering me drugs just because I was downtown at night. And most homeless people are on drugs btw.

[@txdmsk]

@@WolfOfIberia There is almost no thing as homelessness in modern societies. Almost all homelessness is due to drugs or mental illness, but the vast majority is drugs.

[@Longknife]

17:47 I think his answer to this question is good, but there's a better one: *Should we blame the cameraman for filming this guy at his worst, or blame the guy for ever getting to that point?* Yes, being filmed at your worst SUCKS. But you're DOING DRUGS. In a PUBLIC AREA. Where is the personal responsibility? Why isn't it his fault for both doing drugs and choosing to do it somewhere he could be filmed? "Okay, but he wasn't thinking. He was high. You shouldn't exploit him while he wasn't thinking." This line of reasoning can be used to enable just about everything, until we essentially end up with the argument "they're high as a kite, so let them do whatever they want." Honestly, I get shame is painful to go through, but shame can also be a motivator to stop and improve. I have no idea if the original footage was censored like it is here, but that's about the only thing where I agree they could possibly throw the guy a bone and at least censor his identity. Beyond that though, it is ridiculous to shame a cameraman or a reporter for simply relaying exactly what they see. We are too hyper-fixated on wagging the finger at those acknowledging the truth instead of wagging the finger at those who *ENABLED* the truth to be as ugly as it is.

[@jaygreen3548]

To me it's show education and the problem with lack of sleep

[@txdmsk]

You are completely right. Rather than hiding this under the rug, stuff like this should be televised everywhere to show people that we have a colossal problem, and we need to stop it.

[@Corphies]

These people just don't want to be judged for being complete degenerates. If they're afraid to be on camera because they're too f*cked up and think they're going to look like an idiot, that's a problem that they're clearly self aware of. Nobody can claim ignorance at that point.

[@ktjarvis3248]

PLEASE come to Burlington, Vermont. We've decriminalized drugs just like Portland and Vancouver. We aren't getting any national coverage and truthfully even the local coverage isn't great. Open drug use, needles, misplaced drugs, ODs, needle caps, and homeless people are everywhere. We're in crisis.

[@redmagelala]

Road to Hell is paved with good intentions. Shame it's happening at home. I didn't realize Burlington was that bad, but I went years ago and it didn't feel as bad as it probably is now.

[@suetrublu]

Decriminalization still forces people to buy from street dealers. And I agree that it's not working.

[@MrXavi67]

War on drugs I've been using heroin for the last 5 years or so and the only problem with my habit is when I don't have any because of the withdrawals. Other than that, it's alright because it doesn't make me unable to work like alcohol or marijuana. At worst, it makes me a little drowsy, that's all. All these zombies you're seeing in Portland are because of fentanyl or tranquilizers or they put too much in their body as they don't have a job or anything to do after. Too much restriction means hard to smuggle tons of heroin and easier to smuggle much lighter quantities of fent which is equal to the tons of heroin as it is 100s of times more potent. Now hear me out. Keep an open mind and just give it some thought: I. The Govt opens heroin clinics to sell unadulterated, pure heroin to addicts at very cheap rates. Like a dollar for a gram or more. Also, clean needles. Results: 1. Cartels can't compete with the govt and have to close shop as no one wants to buy costly and dirty drugs from them. 2. Crimes like thefts, robberies, prostitution etc decreases as the addicts can easily afford their fix and don't have to resort to crime. 3. Overdose deaths are reduced because addicts know what is actually in their drugs and the potency of each batch is perfectly uniform. 4. A steady supply of clean needles ensure disease like HIV AIDS and hepatitis c are not spread. II. Registration for addicts. The addicts have to register themselves with a blood test report, prescription papers from a doctor and a valid ID to get a license for buying drugs from these clinic. The details are uploaded on a website with a central database of the entire country to ensure that only legit addicts can avail this facility. Kids can't get it anymore as the cartels have already closed shop and they don't have a license, no more new addicts and we have the details of every addict in the country. III. Revenue The sale proceeds are collected and audited every financial quarter or year. These facilities shouldn't be taxed to keep the price low. The revenue thus earned can be used in treatment and housing the homeless Look, problem solved! Without firing a single bullet, without destroying lives. Open your eyes people, prohibition doesn't work! Never has, never will. It's time to end the war on drugs because it's already lost!

[@nbarealtalker]

It’s called “Harm Reduction” but it should be called Harm Production.

[@redmagelala]

Harm Prevention, according to a friend, is just Political Correctness in the guise of policy. It just ignores the problem while trying to look virtuous.

[@joshuagop5909]

What pisses me off about decriminalization and harm reduction is they dont supplement these programs with more rehabs and better mental health institutions.... as a recovering addict i can confirm harm reduction only works if you have options to get them help!!!!

[@___erika]

I tried signing my brother up for either a detox or rehab a few years ago... the requirement to get in? Be sober for 6 months.

[@Disrtict6]

@@___erika sounds legit /s

[@Disrtict6]

$49M to sustain existing harm reduction initiatives; f $117 million to sustain funding for 2,200 mental health and substance use treatment beds. Source - BC Budget 2024: Sustained investments in mental health and substance use care, with key opportunities for improvement

[@joshuagop5909]

@Disrtict6 the problem is we as a nation are at a point where its not even feasable to sustain the programs we have we need to grow and build more... in some places there is up to a six month wait if not longer for a bed at a treatment facility and ive even seen methadone and suboxone clinics that dont take any insurance and only take cash... most people cant afford to get clean and stay thay way the program we have now is so incredibly broken we need a new and better system for mental health

[@PrinceTybalt]

Harm reduction is not with the end goal of rehab. It's harm reduction, not harm removal. I don't disagree that there are more supports needed for those who do wish to stop the behaviour, but harm reduction is intended to minimize the harms associated with drug use.

[@SophieAafjes]

Psychedelics saved me from years of uncontrollable depression, anxiety, smoking, and illicit pills addiction. Imagine carving heavy chains for over a decade and then all of a sudden that burden is gone. Believe it or not, in a couple of years they'll be all over for treatment of mental health related issues.

[@AitanaAbreu]

Congrats on your recovery. Most people don't realize that psilocybin can be used as a miracle medication to save lives.

[@DeanSteven-rq2or]

To be honest, mushrooms are one of the most amazing things on the planet and it is natural, they serve in many ways not only for mental related issues.

[@CapucineLeroy-bh7zp]

Can you help me with a reliable source I would really appreciate it. Many people talk about mushrooms and psychedelics but nobody talks about where to get them. It is very hard to get a reliable source here in Switzerland. Really need!

[@AitanaAbreu]

Yes, Sporeville. I have the same experience with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction... Mushrooms definitely made a huge difference to why I'm clean today.

[@hinesann8058]

I wish they were readily available in my place. Microdosing was my next plan of care for my husband. He's 59 & has many mental health issues plus probably CTE & a TBI that left him in a coma 8 days. It's too late now I had to get a TPO as he's 6'6 300+ pound homicidal maniac. He's constantly talking about killing someone. He's violent. Anyone reading this Familiar w/ BPD knows if it is common for an obsession with violence.

[@deeluu905]

I think you are doing a good thing! Most people do not realize the other side and need to be aware! Keep up the good work!

[@PavTheSlav]

This is a pretty accurate portrayal of the downtown Eastside (DTES) having lived here for more than two decades. Honestly I think the solution is making public drug use illegal and forcing these people into some sort of life bootcamp/program that tries to help them get back on their feet

[@vagrunt5056]

Re-education camps are a slippery slope.

[@lr6477]

I agree. This soft approach is totally unfair on the rest of the city. If you deny help you need to clear out. Once you get addicted your mind is compromised, you're not rational. How can decisions be left up to them!

[@vagrunt5056]

@lr6477 Ah, here we have our first specimen. He can walk and communicate like the rest of the flock but is quickly identified when he denies your rights. Be careful as these types are dangerous in small numbers and become contagious in large gatherings.

[@lr6477]

@@vagrunt5056 rights, what about responsibility?

[@vagrunt5056]

@lr6477 Your question is too vague. Responsibility is what it is; actions have consequences. Were you making a point?

[@justinb3074]

im an addict in recovery. people will only change when the pain of staying the same becomes too great.. if they are lucky. and that applies to non addiction behavioral patterns. all we can do is have other recovering addicts live by example and show them another way to live. outreach is so important.

[@keenari0470]

Completely agree, you know what you’re talking about. My cousin was an addict ended up getting his little brother addicted as well. It took him waking up one morning to his little brother being dead on the floor before he decided that he needed to stop. The thing I don’t like about him is that he talks about it like it was never his fault like it was someone else who did it.

[@justinb3074]

@@keenari0470 we all choose to ingest chemicals ourselves. you cant blame someone else for eating sugar till they get diabetes. its usually no one's intention to see a loved one dead. we are only responsible for OUR OWN recovery. condolences to your family.

[@keenari0470]

@@justinb3074 when you’re 14 years old and your older brother keeps trying to get you to do drugs. Yes, I can blame the older brother.

[@keenari0470]

@@justinb3074 he was 26. His little brother was 14. Yes we can blame him.

[@justinb3074]

@@keenari0470 I hope you find some peace.

[@IndianaJake]

Didn’t realize parts of Canada were this bad too. You said Vancouver and I instantly assumed Washington haha

[@kevinpankanin6222]

Yep it's the entire west coast of north America

[@iankmak]

Toronto isn't as bad but it's not great either.

[@allytiana]

As a Canadian I can say with all honesty that this video doesn't show the sheer scale of it. There is over 6 deaths a day in Vancouver from overdoses. Drugs are being sold to kids that originates from the "Safe Supply" programs. Used needles are everywhere in public spaces.

[@toedrag-release]

In my city we have a population of 74k we have a tent city that has about 40 tents but roughly 80 people. This is just the tent city, there's homeless people all around. There's homeless sleeping in the fronts of stores. There's an abandoned building that has like 15 homeless living in it. There's a bank ATM that has like a little building for it, there's 2 homeless that sleep in it. This city has went to total S@#T

[@Lauraaaaaaaab]

I’m from the Netherlands and we’ve had a tolerance policy on drugs since the 70’s but we’ve never faced anything remotely similar to this hell as shown in the video.

[@johneeeemarry34]

Not very ‘tolerant’ about tobacco..🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@Lauraaaaaaaab]

@@johneeeemarry34 please elaborate?

[@Surannhealz]

But I’m guessing you probably didn’t encourage society to use drugs openly back then? Amsterdam (as of this month I think?) has now made it illegal to smoke weed out in the open. Because the social acceptability was allowing too many people to do it openly and it caused problems with tourists. Show me a large society that has allowed liberal drug use and not eventually regretted it.

[@Lauraaaaaaaab]

@@Surannhealz tolerance policy isn’t the same as encouraging people to do drugs, no. But the difference lies in our access to healthcare and social/addiction care. And the ban on weed is just in the old center, because the tourists are causing most problems. It’s impossible to be in Amsterdam and not get second hand smoke blown in your face by some obnoxious tourist who thinks all Dutch people do drugs on the daily…

[@badgermacleod5588]

The opium poppies are being destroyed by the taliban & that will likely lead to fentanyl hitting Europe. I really hope fentanyl doesn't hit Europe as it has hit North America. It's so much worse than heroin. To be clear, it's like comparing your preferred plague. Illicit drugs are destroying so many lives.

[@worldrte]

You are my absolute favorite KZbinr atm, in this era of rage and cancel culture I love seeing street interviews hearing the stories of the people and not some politician spouting whatever they have to to play the political game. I'm still split on this subject to be honest, but it's so important to listen to both sides and to find common ground, try to put yourself in someone else's shoes and go from there. Please keep doing what you're doing!

[@kevincao5484]

Ok bald dude accuses Tyler of lying but doesn't actually say what the lie is. I do not understand why someone would get the conclusion that people on the streets don't matter from watching tyler's videos. I felt horror and shock from watching the Vancouver video. I didn't know the drug situation was this bad. Tyler's video made me feel sorry for the people and anger at the government for allowing this to happen.

[@Disrtict6]

Tyler snuck into a shelter and claimed it was a safe injection site. I would give links but that gets comments shadowbanned

[@paulpurge4926]

I am from Hamburg Germany. We have a wide net of methadone, buprenorphine and morphine clinics, where doctors perscribe these to prevent IV use and the crime for getting Money. These clinics refer you to a rehab, detox and so on. As an addition we have a lot of places where people can Inject while being monitored and naloxon etc is on hand, also a room for smoking cocaine base. And places for people to sleep at night.

[@mikepie805]

Yeah Germany is a million times better than both Canada and the US in that regard.

[@benchno5366]

i love how open you are on sharing personal thoughts and going to both sides. keep it up man!!

[@ohk136]

Thank you @GEN for your hard work and trying to portray the situation in the most truthful light. Just a note, the gentleman you interviewed who said Tyler was lying: he never said what Tyler lied about specifically. He just said “everything.” I think he may have had an emotional reaction to Tyler’s video that skewed his perception of its factuality. I live in the PNW. I’ve seen Tyler’s video. I can promise that’s what it looks like.

[@jennh2096]

Not to mention, its not exactly a new thing for any form of media to film people in their most vulnerable moments, IE: every natural or man-made disaster ever. You think the people covered in ash wanted to be filmed on 9/11? The last thing anyone wants is to be filmed, or feel like your privacy has been invaded, especially in a crisis. The difference here is they are doing it to themselves, instead of being victims to someone else causing harm. The media has always done this, it's literally their job

[@BR2225_]

As someone from the area I appreciate your coverage. The crisis is terrible and hard for us on the outside to watch. I struggle to explain to my autistic daughter why everyone is sleeping everywhere

[@txdmsk]

It doesn't have to be like that. The only drugs my kids saw while growing up (they are still kids though) was tobacco and a beer or two consumed by some family members. I told them that it is a certain kind of poison that makes you want to consume them more and more until you get very sick and die.

[@BR2225_]

@@txdmsk it does need to be like this because it is like this. Druggies on every corner you can’t escape their existence don’t pretend like I’m a bad mom for noticing my neighbours

[@txdmsk]

​@@BR2225_ I'm saying that it is your neighborhood. Your husband's neighborhood. Your neighborhood's neighborhood. It gets as bad as you let it be. I know that if people started to sell drugs around here we would rise up and there would be violence. A few weeks ago someone noticed her car being canvassed by some drifter car thief. She reported it in our town's FaceBook group, and the volunteer patrol was everywhere. If they found the guy, I guarantee he would received a beating so bad he would not dare to try again. Last year a woman was assaulted in the train station's toilet by some drifters. The next day armed law enforcement busted the door of two lowlife scum and the criminals got prosecuted (after, I assume, a character building beating) Tell your people to find their balls. Don't vote like an idiot.

[@MrXavi67]

War on drugs I've been using heroin for the last 5 years or so and the only problem with my habit is when I don't have any because of the withdrawals. Other than that, it's alright because it doesn't make me unable to work like alcohol or marijuana. At worst, it makes me a little drowsy, that's all. All these zombies you're seeing in Portland are because of fentanyl or tranquilizers or they put too much in their body as they don't have a job or anything to do after. Too much restriction means hard to smuggle tons of heroin and easier to smuggle much lighter quantities of fent which is equal to the tons of heroin as it is 100s of times more potent. Now hear me out. Keep an open mind and just give it some thought: I. The Govt opens heroin clinics to sell unadulterated, pure heroin to addicts at very cheap rates. Like a dollar for a gram or more. Also, clean needles. Results: 1. Cartels can't compete with the govt and have to close shop as no one wants to buy costly and dirty drugs from them. 2. Crimes like thefts, robberies, prostitution etc decreases as the addicts can easily afford their fix and don't have to resort to crime. 3. Overdose deaths are reduced because addicts know what is actually in their drugs and the potency of each batch is perfectly uniform. 4. A steady supply of clean needles ensure disease like HIV AIDS and hepatitis c are not spread. II. Registration for addicts. The addicts have to register themselves with a blood test report, prescription papers from a doctor and a valid ID to get a license for buying drugs from these clinic. The details are uploaded on a website with a central database of the entire country to ensure that only legit addicts can avail this facility. Kids can't get it anymore as the cartels have already closed shop and they don't have a license, no more new addicts and we have the details of every addict in the country. III. Revenue The sale proceeds are collected and audited every financial quarter or year. These facilities shouldn't be taxed to keep the price low. The revenue thus earned can be used in treatment and housing the homeless Look, problem solved! Without firing a single bullet, without destroying lives. Open your eyes people, prohibition doesn't work! Never has, never will. It's time to end the war on drugs because it's already lost!

[@griffithclipson5769]

Love the content as always. New camera looks great. Another crazy ride to an unusual place.

[@Stoned_Silly]

Thanks for making this video! You were very respectful and did a great job!!

[@Dtgray12]

What the KZbinr did is called journalism they don't get involved but they show people at their most vulnerable. I personally don't care for journalism of today but honestly he's in his right to do that.

[@josephfulmer6371]

Keep up the good work GEN! Your channel is the motivator for me to create my own. Being able to inform on both sides is essential to being truly informed.

[@woopeeallan]

What is wrong in those places now is the lack OF SELF RESPONSIBILITY. Not everything can be given. Its pretty clear that not everything is another persons responsibility. The person themselves should have a certain amount of responsibility.

[@lr6477]

What you described is conservatism 🤷🏼‍♀️ Liberals believe everything is everyone else's fault

[@CP-uc1hd]

im from van and im glad we got a good video showing this side of the city. thanks

[@stephanieshubert1247]

This is on the most confusing thing to fix. China knew full well what they were doing. I never see people on the streets on videos about them. I wonder why? Are they there?

[@Mudpaws]

Definitely on purpose

[@brixonixx9584]

Opium crisis in china flipped fr

[@DuncanDonDuken]

There's a lot of things that they don't show us about China. Like the fact that they have been protesting in Mass around the country for the first time since tiananmen square for at least the last month. That there are a bunch of homeless people, all sleeping in the streets, begging for the government's help, and being ignored just as us. And because historically they haven't been able to speak out against the government at all, instead of mass shootings, they use their vehicles to drive into large groups of people and take it out on one another. It might not be what they show us, but it is most definitely happening. If you haven't heard of it, look up the "let it rot" movement.

[@txdmsk]

@@DuncanDonDuken Yes, what you say is true, but what Stephan says is also true. The whole opioid crisis and fentanyl in general is an intentional cold war tactic by China. The US does things like this as well, all the time, and a lot, though.

[@MNcoquicoqui]

China controls media and shuts down independent released videos.

[@MH15501]

I havent been addicted to any substances myself, but I have been in therapy with many. The one thing that gets people clean is their own willingness to do so. If decriminalisation can help with some people getting their life together and giving the necessary aid to do so, it's a good thing. But for everyone who isn't willing to get clean it's useless. As with most things, this solution isn't just ''black or white'' it depends on the person wether or not it works.

[@stampthelamp]

These people need to feel shame. They are wasting their lives away and these cities are helping them do it... It's sad and they need help, not enablement.

[@6333.]

what if they dont want to help themselves?

[@lr6477]

​@@6333.Then they can fk off out the city limits. It's grossly unfair to subject the rest of us to their self destruction!

[@lwms120]

​@@6333. People addicted to drugs live through other people. Them wanting to stay addicted to drugs, is them accepting the pain of others. They destroy public streets, ruin businesses, cost tax money and are extremely criminal. Why would the normal working man accept such thing?

[@jennh2096]

​@@6333.That's their choice, but they have zero right to demand that taxpayers support their refusal to contribute to society. That's the problem, everyone thinks "they aren't hurting anyone else" but they are. Their choices cost society billions of dollars every year. Go ahead and do what you want, but don't expect society to pay your way

[@serenestefan1102]

ive been watching since the beginning . Keep going! I like how you ask questions and allow other people to speak :). Thank you gen for continuing this content .

[@Nic-moon]

The only difference since they decriminalized drugs has been the ability to become and be an addict. The number of people I’ve seen pass since 2016 is nauseating. Whatever they’re doing is not working, period.

[@MrXavi67]

War on drugs I've been using heroin for the last 5 years or so and the only problem with my habit is when I don't have any because of the withdrawals. Other than that, it's alright because it doesn't make me unable to work like alcohol or marijuana. At worst, it makes me a little drowsy, that's all. All these zombies you're seeing in Portland are because of fentanyl or tranquilizers or they put too much in their body as they don't have a job or anything to do after. Too much restriction means hard to smuggle tons of heroin and easier to smuggle much lighter quantities of fent which is equal to the tons of heroin as it is 100s of times more potent. Now hear me out. Keep an open mind and just give it some thought: I. The Govt opens heroin clinics to sell unadulterated, pure heroin to addicts at very cheap rates. Like a dollar for a gram or more. Also, clean needles. Results: 1. Cartels can't compete with the govt and have to close shop as no one wants to buy costly and dirty drugs from them. 2. Crimes like thefts, robberies, prostitution etc decreases as the addicts can easily afford their fix and don't have to resort to crime. 3. Overdose deaths are reduced because addicts know what is actually in their drugs and the potency of each batch is perfectly uniform. 4. A steady supply of clean needles ensure disease like HIV AIDS and hepatitis c are not spread. II. Registration for addicts. The addicts have to register themselves with a blood test report, prescription papers from a doctor and a valid ID to get a license for buying drugs from these clinic. The details are uploaded on a website with a central database of the entire country to ensure that only legit addicts can avail this facility. Kids can't get it anymore as the cartels have already closed shop and they don't have a license, no more new addicts and we have the details of every addict in the country. III. Revenue The sale proceeds are collected and audited every financial quarter or year. These facilities shouldn't be taxed to keep the price low. The revenue thus earned can be used in treatment and housing the homeless Look, problem solved! Without firing a single bullet, without destroying lives. Open your eyes people, prohibition doesn't work! Never has, never will. It's time to end the war on drugs because it's already lost!

[@kaizabi]

You've outdone yourself on this one man. Amazing production quality and story-telling. Wish. I knew you were in Van, could've helped you film.

[@jaminmittal5325]

Amazing colab. Need more vids like this

[@your_elf_friend]

@GEN if you ever do a follow up Im a business owner downtown who has had really severe safety issues for patients from the decriminalization. It's been very difficult since decriminalization. I pay insane rent to operate on Burrard st, and its incredible how bad ALL of Vancouver has gotten. Not just Hastings. There are needles on playgrounds, people are being harassed by those on drugs, and some individuals are violent. Its very hard to maintain empathy when you don't know if someone is going to physically hurt you for using a buzzer they've decided to sleep behind. Its heartbreaking, but the body heals with hardened scar tissue. Letting the issue get this bad has severely worsened the relationship between locals and the homeless. People are fed up.

[@luiscarrascopineda]

He has a right to document what happens in the city.

[@QueenieEileenie]

Being balanced is supposed to be embarrassing? I thought balance was what we were all trying to achieve.

[@alicia...865]

Thanks GEN for another great Video, its always nice to see someone look at two sides of every story. Great journalism!

[@justincroft2363]

Great Video as always at the part with the Tyler interview. Energized to see the resolution for this video.

[@psycho5553]

Amazing content! Keep up the work!

[@kilarukartheek7236]

That guy at 14:40: "Sell people drugs" Me: *Did he just suggest commercializing all drugs to everyone?* 💀💀

[@user-kg5lq6nd7q]

Drugs are already commercialized tho

[@SamD.GOAT0326]

I feel like the real problem with that is that in order to get the money more robberies and burglaries will happen.

[@skilldeadly8888]

It's a Libertarian viewpoint. I agree that all drugs need to be decriminalized. It's personal choice at this point. No victim no crime. Work on getting more rehab centers and drug avoidance programs.

[@infinitivez]

At least if you commercialized them, they could be tested and labeled appropriately. Generally what addicts want (specially ones trying to get clean), is somewhere to test their supplies, so they know they aren't getting overdosed, or tracking fetty. But without some sort of backup plan, a person who's needing to get high or die from withdraws, isn't going to throw what they have away. What then?

[@cjshenesky4912]

​@@infinitivez i agree, people are gunna do drugs no matter what so we might aswell give them an educated, monitored, tested source for substances and back them with support. Its 10x harder to get clean if you feel stigmatized and afraid to ask for help. Also the stigma itself of drugs and its anti establishment and rebellious identity is also a big factor in what first gets people into drugs. They wanna be cool or go against the grain and they see it as a sense of control and freedom. Its a whole lot less "cool" to go to a clinic and do drugs with a health supervisor.

[@ktdj93]

Great meeting you today in ATX my guy!! Keep up with the quality videos 🙌🏾

[@adamhuffman3354]

Great video! Your reporting on these issues is a great public service. It’s folks like you that make all the difference. Thank You!

[@chrisgodfrey1880]

So I am a security officer in Eugene, OR. Since it was a state passed law, we also deal with the decriminalization of drugs here. Personally, I feel it was a very foolish notion to set up decriminalization. It hasn't seemed to do anything to help lessen drug use. There weren't enough additional services and resources implemented in order to really have it be effective. And most users still don't choose to seek aid to get clean and since it's a voluntary basis, they aren't required to. Since the law passed, I've seen an increase in use due to people that do drugs not feeling they have any consequences to doing them wherever and whenever they want. And it often leads to other crimes being committed while users are high and not in their right mind. Im glad out here they removed the law that decriminalized them in the first place, though that change won't occur until November at least. Personally, I think a better option would be instead of jail sentences to make arrests for drugs require mandatory treatment in rehab centers and facilities. That helps users avoid being scared of prison sentences, but still allows them to get treatment. With the current format it does nothing but give users the chance to do them and never worry about anything going against them legally

[@lr6477]

Typical American solution to problems... They implemented half of the solution they copied from Portugal. Portugal even didn't do that well either because people complain about the druggies everywhere too.

[@luckyl3v174]

The guy that shared his story seems very biased, I feel like he's self conscious about what's going on because he went through it which hinders journalism ability. Also he says it's bad to show someone's vulnerable moments which is understandable but showing these moments show people the bad real moments which inspire more change.

[@samueldavidvisuals2595]

You’re doing journalism brother, it’s very heavily needed

[@logantbirch]

I admire your efforts in your mission to find truth. It is so important to find nuance and learn from multiple sources of information, because if we don’t… divides deepen. We lose the ability to talk to each other. Thank you for your videos. Don’t stop! The world needs more like this.

[@elderwelder]

"Without dramatization" But with super dramatic music

[@charmedgeek_]

😂😂😂

[@joshuataylor3550]

Yeah just saying you're not going to be dramatic doesn't make it so haha

[@KenyaKonspiracyKorner]

would you prefer no music or circus?

[@DuncanDonDuken]

Do you expect upbeat music to a non upbeat video? 🤔

[@truthismycause2800]

The situation itself is dramatic, though.

[@gussiecfit]

Who edited this?? SO GOOD !!!!

[@jennifernall995]

You are such a bright, intelligent young man. I hope you stay with us on this channel I thoroughly enjoy watching how you so rationally and intelligently explore both sides very coin you have your own personal opinions but they don’t overpower the message. I think you’re a wonderful presenter keep up the good work.

[@TalkToMe711]

Born and raised in van. And removing the stigma has helped me with my 2nd chance... Owe it all to the amazing health care I received and God 🙏thank you.

[@mackthnife3]

Harm Reduction is not the same as legalization. And when harm reduction becomes over used by a community, it becomes HARM INDUCTION.

[@JaceAhumadaMorrow-cy8vr]

Poverty and drugs is such a hard problem to tackle but he dose it with such kindness and cares.

[@corystarkiller]

Spoilers: They don't want to solve the problem. They'll say it with the kindest words, and then waste the money.

[@tetanusqueen]

Thanks for your diligent coverage Gen. I always look forward to watching your insightful videos.

[@pog8744]

Love the video. Thank you for the nuanced view, Gen. Eye-opening as always :)

[@ArrggghhhhJohn]

"If you don't share the same values, then this channel might not be for you" If anything I think watching channels that dont share the same values can stand to at least help you understand why someone might hold those values. There is more overlap in our values than we may care to admit. At the end of the day everyone has a different perspective on life but we all need to exist together.

[@GEN]

That’s exactly what my values are

[@arsmaster]

Decriminalization is awful policy. It’s bad for the addicts and certainly horrible for the non addicted citizens. The government also provides “safe supply” creating more addicts. The policy is horrible and is creating an endless loop of addicts and deaths. Rinse/repeat. The worst part is this is all taxpayer funded.

[@arsmaster]

There are also little “east Hastings’” in all the smaller cities and towns in BC where these disgusting policies are rampant.

[@cjshenesky4912]

its the execution that is wrong. If they want to decriminalize it they need to create medically monitored spaces, and also not provide free drugs. People are gonna do drugs no matter what, but the stigma is a big part of what gets people into drugs and keeps them in it. If they have to go to a space where they are monitored and educated they have more support to quit. You cant just quit a lot of harder drugs and survive and because of the stigma a lot of them are afraid to ask for help

[@lr6477]

​@@cjshenesky4912you're totally naive. They don't get help because they are addicted and don't want to stop. Stop valorizing these people. It's highly unfair to allow them to make the streets unbearable for the rest of us like this! Their battle is one of courage, if they don't want help they must live elsewhere

[@cjshenesky4912]

@@lr6477 I never said anything about worshiping addicts or allowing them to be in the streets freely doing drugs. They need clinics and medically monitored places for people instead of putting them in jail or governmental psychiatric wards

[@maxchess6734]

​​@@lr6477 The Netherlands work fine tho. Decriminalization can work, but the US's execution was horrible.

[@BillyBonkerz]

Keep up the great content man!! I appreciate channels like this!!

[@xsenpai5179]

love the grind gen I see the progression ❤

[@mhep9367]

You know those European countries pulled back on it? And Portuguese laws required following a rehab plan not do anything on the street with no punishment. If punishment is too harsh then get clean.

[@gclip9883]

No they didn't. Portugal is the only country that has actually decriminalized. The only similar case was Switzerland, which provides heroin addicts with clean heroin - also with excellent results. The important question is how you get addicts to rejoin regular society. Prohibition doesn't work for this, after sitting in prison most addicts will just go right back to doing drugs. What you neeed is a support structure.

[@mikes9223]

Bullshit . Germany and switzerland have prescription heroin programs

[@scotiancoast4498]

This is Trudeaus Canada.

[@kjkj128]

bro i love your content always, exploring both sides to the best of ones ability is lost on today's society and if more people were open to this kind of thinking the world would be a better place. huge respect for being open about your shortcomings and showcasing how you're learning and growing in these past few videos!!

[@Twothenines]

All these people on the streets have the weakest excuses, most probably are lies. I feel the majority of them have decided to check out and stay out.

[@voyager11221]

Where that guy overdosed for the first time is near my old office. I remember sitting in that park after work to smoke a joint and two people next to me were shooting up heroin. They looked like normal people too just gone down the wrong path. It was shocking and sad

[@emn1shearer449]

Really appreciate your commitment to staying middle ground and covering important topics, that aren't rage bait/click bait. Thanks Gen.

[@UnPCpsych]

Your videos are always so refreshing and well delivered. Hopefully it will inspire others to also be willing to hear both sides to then form their own thoughts.

[@Robisquick]

If you don’t have a healthy cohesive social structure that acts as a supportive net, and you don’t have a robust system of bringing people back up a ladder, then decriminalizing drugs will never work.

[@gclip9883]

Well neither will prohibition. Everything i am reading just points to the facts that people don't want to see drug addicts, not that they actually want them to do better. Because areas without decriminalization have just as much, if not more, addiction and overdoses. So ban open consumption i guess - but that will not solve the problem.

[@LucielStarz123]

@@gclip9883prohibition works fucking great for Singapore, Korea, and Japan.

[@emilienlaliberte7325]

@@gclip9883Hi sorry for my bad english. I'm a french Canadien😂...I just want to say that decriminalizing can be very effective to prevent OD'S and deaths but that's make all the Users converge in the same place(often downtown) in all the city. It's a very last line of defense idea. I'm just 26 but I'm of Opioids for 6 years. I never experience homelessness thought, So it's just a opinion. It is a very complicated matther😢

[@emilienlaliberte7325]

It's very true that people just don't want to be bother by this problem. If they can't see them it's ALL GOOD😢

[@felipediazvlog]

I don't see problems with Tyler's video. He showed reality, facts.

[@rabbtseatletus]

Keep going with the videos, it was great!! I agree with your statements at the end

[@z0m3785]

Great video. One of Gen’s best

[@Phisherman10]

The thing with Tyler Oliveria wasn't incorrect. He can be criticized for disaster-tourism, but it's not like he made these people up. If I was in an addict's position, I would understand the need to expect more from people who aren't addicts and the government, but it's kind of wild to think it's other people's jobs to clean up a mess you personally create. Empathy would entail trying to get people off the streets and into society, not enabling the behaviors that put them on the street in the first place.

[@ruaidhrineville2100]

"without dramatisation" as dramatic music plays

[@DuncanDonDuken]

I really don't understand why people are expecting upbeat, happy music with a very serious video. Can't help but feel like that would be extremely out of place.

[@truthismycause2800]

The situation itself is dramatic. What did you expect? Upbeat party music?

[@ruaidhrineville2100]

@@truthismycause2800 Nah! I just thought it was funny

[@davidwhiteman9617]

Good job on the video, man! I think you had a good approach to the situation. It is very nuanced but I think you did it justice. Well done.

[@dave2431]

Well done! Thank you!

[@thenutwacker]

Decriminalizing is only half the job

[@joshuataylor3550]

Yeah exactly, you need proper rehab programs as well.

[@shack12319]

No kidding, not even the more important half, i don't understand why politicians don't get it

[@cjshenesky4912]

decriminalization without the regulation, support and education is just a political move, if they actually cared they wouldn't just decriminalize and hand out drugs without actually supporting individuals

[@Berryations]

Great video!

[@MorningStar293]

Man just got to say your videos were already so high level from the jump but seeing your growth has been incredible. Honestly one of the best genuine channels out there doing real journalism.

[@GEN]

thanks g

[@user-bm6kx8gv1i]

Great documentary. You approched this controversial topic with a non bias and clear cut view. Very well done. There needs to be more awareness of this issue.

[@Meowface.]

You don’t help an addict by making it easier for them to continue with their addiction People only change when life becomes difficult, when they’re forced to change If you’ve ever talked to people in treatment you’ll hear it over and over They only got help because they were scared to go to jail, or because they were facing homelessness, or being homeless was a constant struggle they just got sick of If you hand them drugs, and feed them, cloth them, give them shelter, and have no expectation for them to change You just made that existence soft and comfortable Where’s the motivation to change ? You want to help people ? Help the ones in treatment who are putting in the effort to change their lives

[@hoomanbeing4918]

What I don't appreciate about Tyler Oliveira is that he asks "leading questions" and gets the answers that best fits his narratives. In my personal opinion what GEN does is journalism and in journalism you never feed the answers and rather be open to listening to the facts. Also Tyler kind of dismisses people he is interviewing by shifting his gaze and body away from the interviewee.

[@PrinceTybalt]

Even in this, "would those people be out of a job?" Yes, and we'd be happy to be out of a job. They are not-for-profit. The upper management of many organizations make a decent amount of money, but did that lady in the red hoody look rich? Did the two guys at the overdose prevention table look like they were rolling in money?

[@beautanner8409]

I don't think this needs to be so complicated: There's a way to articulate a law where public substance use is illegal, but those who seek help aren't prosecuted. Both sides of the issue are so resolute in sticking to their talking points that they're just speaking past one another at this point. This situation will never be an easy one to solve, but it doesn't have to be this complicated.

[@allright1937]

❤thank you for the video it’s really honest

[@Watts1983]

The ex-druggie that now makes a living off of “trying” to help current druggies doesn’t want the truth exposed because that could possibly end his government grants and/or funding.

[@javiervigil2511]

You're doing a great job, keep up the great work 👍

[@freshmanyuan1120]

The content is great! Really like ur approach to filming and documenting on a very big topic, you remained neutral and objective, with the aim to finding truth.

[@Tombstoned_666]

As always, GEN delivers. Keep up the good work, my fellow centrist 💪

[@GEN]

WE NEEED TO STOP LETTING BRAINWASHED PEOPLE SAY THAT WANTING TO LOOOK AT BOTH SIDES IS “cringe” AND “grifting”

[@DuncanDonDuken]

​@@GENI completely agree. Being centrist to me doesn't even make sense.. It's called being independent. Making your own choices depending on the situation. Most people are, and should be a lil bit of column A & a lil bit of column B. It is absolutely ludicrous to just go along with something because of a label. Whether it be democrat, republican, conservative, or liberal. #LeftWingRightWing #SameBird

[@shadako2]

it's raising awareness. overseas in Queensland australia and we just got some of the same "portugal" laws passed. Youth crime and homelessness going nuts. people camping out in parks etc. people think it's unorganised, but you have very organised groups moving in.

[@coltonthacker7120]

Mark my words this KZbin will be HUGE on day

[@kazwalker764]

I moved to Vancouver in 2014, it was sad to see the decline, I lived by the stadiums near Hastings for almost 8 years. Vancouver has too many issues, and the people who live and vote there care too much about wanting to appear nice and helpful as opposed to voting for things that would help, but would be viewed as supporting "the wrong side".

[@milbitz4642]

Great to see you reflecting after the last video truly moving towards making a middle ground platform

[@magirardin]

I work on East Hastings and in the addictions field. I continue to struggle with the concept of decriminalization of drugs. I do not judge those who use, as I have been there myself. Unfortunately, I think we approached the entire concept wrong. We need more support in housing, health care, and connection in order for it to be successful.