Harm Reduction & Public Policy

Question 1

main cannabis legalization bills in Canada

Answer 1

C-45: legalization and regulation of production, distribution, sale, possession, importation of cannabis in Canada

C-46: introduced new provisions related to police ability to screen drivers for drug impairment

Question 2

what trends in cannabis use and arrests have been observed in Canada, before and after legalization?

Answer 2

• fewer arrests in white people
• declining use in youth
• stable or inc. rates of arrest in Black and Indigenous people

Question 3

how does gender influence incarceration for drug offences?

Answer 3

women are more likely to be incarcerated for the same drug-related offences as men

Question 4

what are the 4 underlying principles of harm reduction?

Answer 4

• supply control (arrest dealers, force suppliers to operate inefficiently
• primary prevention (mass media campaigns, programs in schools)
• secondary prevention (screening and brief intervention in primary care settings)
• health and social services for drug users (addictions treatments, harm reduction)