The co-founder of a unique “compassion club” that offered safety-tested heroin, cocaine, and various drugs shared in a recent B.C. Supreme Court hearing that they once felt unstoppable and hoped that media coverage of their activities would spark important discussions among the public.
Jeremy Kalicum from the Drug User Liberation Front revealed that, in hindsight, the attention they received may have ultimately led to their legal troubles.
Speaking in Vancouver, Kalicum admitted that he and his partner, Eris Nyx, were initially uneasy about interacting with the media. However, they believed that shedding light on their club’s operations was crucial for transparency and accountability, aligning with the club’s core values.
While both Kalicum and Nyx were recently convicted on drug-related charges, their conviction remains pending as they contest the constitutionality of the case.
Kalicum disclosed during questioning by Crown prosecutor Oren Bick that they were aware of the controversy surrounding the club, particularly due to government scrutiny. Unfortunately, intense public backlash and political pressure forced the club to shut down in October 2023.
Earlier in court, it was revealed that the group had received funding from the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority for testing street drugs. The Drug User Liberation Front went a step further by independently purchasing and testing drugs to reduce overdose risks.
Kalicum clarified that the club’s drug purchases were funded through donations and sold to members at cost, emphasizing their commitment to harm reduction.
Reflecting on their journey, Kalicum now believes that the club’s visibility in the media played a significant role in their legal issues, expressing frustration at feeling abandoned by various institutions.
The conversation with Bick also touched on the club’s research efforts involving over three dozen members and their drug usage, with Kalicum emphasizing their commitment to transparency through publicizing their work.
In a recent statement on the DULF website, dated March 3, 2025, the organization outlined their legal battle to challenge the constitutionality of a section of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. They argue that current drug laws are contributing to harm rather than protection for vulnerable individuals.