Canada Researchers Develop Stir Sticks To Detect Spiked Drinks: Know More

After over a decade of research, a group of Canadian chemists from the University of British Columbia (UBC) have developed Spikeless, a drink stirrer that can instantly detect harmful drugs like GHB or ketamine, substances often used in drink spiking. The tip of the stir stick changes color in just 30 seconds if any common drug is found.

It looks just like a regular drink stirrer. But it's designed to be more discreet and effective than current alternatives like straws, cups, or even nail polish.

The People Behind the Innovation

Spikeless is the brainchild of Dr Johan Foster, a UBC professor of chemical and biological engineering, and his brother Andrew. They first imagined this tool in 2012, driven by one simple but powerful idea: people deserve to feel safe when they're enjoying a night out. Since then, the project has grown to include students like Samin Yousefi, as well as advocates like Sasha Santos, an anti-violence activist. Together, they're not just launching a product, they're pushing for cultural change.

From Personal Safety to Public Responsibility 

Drink spiking is a growing, silent threat in nightlife culture. And while it often goes unnoticed, the impact is lasting and devastating, especially for women and gender minorities.

The team behind Spikeless doesn't just want individuals to carry it around like pepper spray or a whistle. Their vision is bigger. They imagine bars and venues stirring every drink with one before it's served. The idea is to make safety automatic, not something the individual has to ask for or initiate.

Sasha Santos, an anti-violence activist advising the project, puts it clearly: "When we place the responsibility entirely on individuals to protect themselves, we ignore the larger system that allows these crimes to continue. This tool is a step toward shifting that responsibility."

A Widespread Problem That's Still Underreported

Studies show that around 10% of women and sexual minorities in Canada have experienced drink spiking, along with 4% of heterosexual men. But those are just the reported numbers.

Advocates like Stacey Forrester from Good Night Out Vancouver say the real figures are likely much higher. Her team hears at least one new report every month, often from survivors who don't feel safe or supported enough to go to the police.

"Any time we put the responsibility on the individual, it's a very dangerous game to play," she says. That's why tools like Spikeless matter, they shift some of that burden back where it belongs, on the system, the venues, and the culture.

Will It Become Commonplace?

The team behind Spikeless envisions a future where every drink, at bars, clubs, and festivals, comes with a built-in safety check. One simple stir, and you'll know if your drink's been tampered with.

The device still needs Health Canada approval and a manufacturing plan. But the hope is that it becomes as normal as handing someone a straw. It could be freely available at venues, carried with your phone or keys, or even integrated into drink service.