Around the world, governments are considering different approaches to drugs. Some countries are decriminalizing drug use and possession while others are legalizing and regulating drugs. Change is happening in Canada too. It is now legal for adults to purchase cannabis for personal use. And some are calling for changes in our approach to other drugs, especially in the midst of Canada’s overdose crisis, which is affecting Canadians across the country.
How could we change our approach to drugs? What would a public health approach to drugs look like for Canada? Toronto Public Health undertook a community dialogue process on this issue, and reported the results to the Board of Health in July 2018.