Decriminalizing people who use drugs: a primer for municipal and provincial governments
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Pandemic response measures, an increasingly toxic drug supply and prohibition-based drug laws have contributed to a record number of fatal drug poisonings (overdoses) in recent years. Organizations of people who use drugs, community organizations, public health associations, human rights advocates and more (see page 9) are calling for decriminalization strategies in Canada.
This report illustrates how current drug laws, which are disproportionately enforced in racialized communities, do not deter drug use, increase risk of drug-related harms, and perpetuate stigma towards people who use drugs. As Dr. Tam notes, “you cannot arrest your way out of an opioid crisis” (see page 10).
To mitigate such harms, this report outlines steps municipal and provincial governments can take in pursuit of decriminalization of drug possession for personal use (“simple drug possession”). Sample text for requesting an exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, which prohibits drug possession, is provided (see page 7).
This report will be of interest to Public Health Professionals seeking to explore how decriminalization of simple drug possession may be part of a comprehensive, evidence-informed strategy to protect the health, safety and human rights of people who use drugs.
Use this resource to:
- Deepen your understanding of how drug policy in Canada causes harm to people who use drugs, especially in racialized communities.
- Gain knowledge of evidence-informed strategies for promoting the health and safety of people who use drugs (e.g., decriminalization of simple drug possession).
- Facilitate discussion within your organization, and with partners across the community, about strategies you can implement in your community to support people who use drugs.
Related Resources:
- Let’s Talk: Advocacy and Health Equity (2015)
- Let’s Talk: Values and Health Equity (2020)
- Addressing stigma: Towards a more inclusive health system (2019)
Reference
Ka Hon Chu, S., & Elliott, R. (2020). A primer for municipal and provincial governments. Decriminalizing people who use drugs. Making the ask, minimizing the harms. HIV Legal Network.
Tags: Healthy public policy, Stigma, discrimination, Substance use, Participate in policy development, Report / Document