If B.C. hopes to set up a place where crack addicts smoke up legally, it will have to contend with the federal government.

Health Canada has said any additions to InSite's supervised injection site would require another federal exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act - an exemption Ottawa refused to renew for InSite nearly two years ago.

"All activities with narcotics such as cocaine and crack cocaine are prohibited under the CDSA unless authorized under the regulations," said Health Canada spokesman David Thomas. "If B.C. established such a site [without permission], this would become a matter for law enforcement."   More >>