Canada’s failed drug laws drive immense harm. At the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition, we focus on three core priorities that can shape a health- and rights-based future: legal regulation, decriminalization, and human rights.
Building Effective, Rights-Based Alternatives to Canada’s Failed Drug Laws
Legal Regulation: Canada’s current approach fuels unregulated markets and preventable deaths. We advocate for legal frameworks that regulate drugs safely, equitably, and transparently – replacing prohibition with systems grounded in evidence and accountability.
Decriminalization: Criminalizing people who use drugs drives stigma, exclusion, and preventable harm. We support full decriminalization for personal use, ensuring access to care and reducing stigma.
Human Rights: Drug policy must uphold human rights. Our work holds governments accountable to protect life, liberty, and equality – particularly for communities most impacted by criminalization and systemic racism.
Explore these issue areas to learn how we can build effective alternatives to support safety and well-being for all people, regardless of their relationship to drugs.
Issues
Legal Regulation
Promoting safe, equitable, and evidence-based drug regulation.
Decriminalization
Ending criminalization to reduce harm and stigma.
Human Rights
Protecting rights and dignity for those most impacted by drug policy.