Drug decriminalization would bring health benefits, internal federal study says
OTTAWA — Alternatives to criminalizing a variety of illicit drugs in Canada could result in lower rates of use and fewer harms such as addiction, overdoses and infectious diseases, says an internal federal study.
The Justice Department research paper stresses there are healthier and less costly ways of addressing the problem of illegal drug use, and that the biggest hurdles might be political — not practical — ones.
“It is becoming more challenging to justify the criminalization of drug users,” the study says.
“Drawing on international evidence, Canada can be a leader in national and international drug policy reform.”