They are hard to obtain in many places. Plus "no one" does IV-direct-to-vein-injections on a regular basis. It's either IM (so larger needles), subcutaneous (li

They are hard to obtain in many places. Plus "no one" does IV-direct-to-vein-injections on a regular basis. It's either IM (so larger needles), subcutaneous (like insulin), or IV catheter (larger needles, expected to stay in a day or longer). So even in places that do carry needles, it's unlikely you'll find e.g. Luer-Lock 30G. In some places it's illegal, as it's "drug paraphernalia". In the UK there was even a story about a kid being denied buying teaspoons since he was underage (patients often cook drugs in a spoon before injecting). So IV patients right now have a very hard time. If they are lucky, they can convince a pharmacy they are diabetic and need insulin needles, in some cases. Legalizing would mean stores can sell and make money, and would start to reduce the stigma.