Pubdate: Tue, 15 Nov 2016
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Author: Jim Bronskill
Page: A10

ALTERNATIVES BETTER THAN OUTLAWING DRUGS: STUDY

Federal research looked at decriminalization worldwide

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."

The Canadian Press used the Access to Information Act to obtain a draft 
copy of the November 2015 study, "Criminalizing Drug Possession and Use: 
Different Policy Approaches and International Alternatives."

The Liberal government has promised to legalize, regulate and restrict
access to marijuana to keep it out of the hands of children, while
denying criminals the financial profits.

The study takes a broad look at state policies around the world,
including approaches to harder drugs such as cocaine and heroin, and
the resulting outcomes. The paper concludes there are successful
alternative approaches, including early education, prevention and
treatment of those who become users.

The study was initiated in early 2015 by the Justice Department's
research and statistics division - months before the Liberals took
office - with the aim of gauging the impact of policy approaches
around the globe, said Andrew Gowing, a Justice Department
spokesperson.
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