Legalize it: Liberalize Drug Policies in Canada
This policy briefing dives into the issue of drug policy. This includes the challenges governments face in
balancing public health and safety concerns with individual and civil rights. This note provides an overview of
the global drug market and the negative consequences of drug use, including addiction, health problems, and
social harm. I will present 3 policy options that address drug-related issues, including prevention, treatment, and
enforcement. Based on this evidence, the note recommends investing in prevention and treatment programs to
reduce drug use and promote public health and safety.
Issue Definition
Drug policy is a prominent issue which includes the
use, regulation, and control of drugs. The global drug
market is worth billions of dollars and has had
significant implications for public health, crime, and
international relations. The use of illicit drugs has
negative consequences for the body and society alike.
Despite the government’s efforts, drug policies face
significant challenges, including increased drug use,
overdoses, and organized crime.
Policy Background
The history of drug policy is rooted in the war on drugs campaign in
the United States, which aimed to eradicate drug use through law
enforcement measures. This approach, however, has been criticized
for its ineffective and negative consequences. The response to drugs
was a higher and more aggressive police presence, which was
prevalent during Stephen Harper's time in office. Drug policies vary
across jurisdictions, with some countries implementing more liberal
policies like that of Portugal, while others adopt a restrictive
approach. The policy of drug use is complex as it includes the
stakeholders, which include governments, law enforcement,
healthcare providers, and community organizers. In recent years,
some jurisdictions have implemented more liberal drug policies,
including the legalization and regulation of marijuana. Recently
“British Columbia has become the first province to be granted an
exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act to
remove criminal penalties for possession of opioids, cocaine,
methamphetamine and MDMA for personal use” (Hathaway)
which is a huge step for the drug policies of Canada. There is
however room for improvement.
Best Practices
Several jurisdictions have implemented effective drug
policies that prioritize public health and safety while
balancing individual rights and civil liberties. Portugal’s
discrimination of drug use is often cited as an effective
policy which resulted in drug use and drug-related deaths.
The Netherlands’ policy for marijuana use and sale in
designated coffee shops has also been successful in
promoting public health. Harm reduction policies such as the
provision of clean needles and safe injection sites have been
effective in reducing the spread of HIV and other infections
of the blood.
Policy Options
Prevention: Governments can invest in public education
campaigns that promote drug prevention and awareness.
This includes drug education in schools and community
centers, providing safe and legal alternatives to drug use,
and implementing public health campaigns to reduce drug
use. The advantages of prevention include reducing drug
use and promoting public health, while challenges include
the need for sustained investment and potential resistance
from individuals or groups that prioritize personal
freedoms.
Treatment: Governments can invest in treatment
programs that help people who are struggling with drug
addiction. This includes funding for rehabilitation centers,
providing access to medications, and expanding harm
reduction services. The advantages of treatment include
reducing drug use and improving health outcomes, while
challenges include the high cost of treatment and potential
resistance from individuals or groups that oppose
government intervention.
Enforcement: Governments can strengthen enforcement
measures to reduce the availability and distribution of
illegal drugs. This includes increasing penalties for drug-
related offences, implementing more effective border
controls, and disrupting organized crime networks. The
advantages of enforcement include reducing drug
availability and improving public safety, while challenges
include the potential for human rights abuses and the
ineffectiveness of enforcement measures.
Policy Recommendation
Based on the evidence, the briefing note recommends
investing in prevention and treatment programs to reduce
drug use and promote public health and safety.
Governments can work with community organizations,
healthcare providers, and educational institutions to
develop and implement effective prevention and treatment
programs that prioritize evidence-based interventions and
promote public health.
Work Cited

Academic Sources

MacCoun, R., & Reuter, P. (2001). Drug war heresies: Learning from other vices, times, and

places. Cambridge University Press.

European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction. (2022)

Policy Documents

“Case for Reform.” Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, 2 May 2022, https://drugpolicy.ca/our-

work/case-for-reform/.

Grey Literature

Hathaway, A. (2020, June 20). Decriminalizing hard drugs in B.C. follows decades of public

health ... National Post. Retrieved March 14, 2023, from

https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/decriminalizing-hard-drugs-in-b-c-follows-

decades-of-public-health-advocacy.