Jurisdictions across the globe are increasingly experimenting with alternative legal and policy frameworks that aim to reduce the harmful effects of prohibition, including the legal regulation of recreational, religious and medical cannabis, legalization of the coca leaf for subsistence and traditional use, decriminalization of drug possession, and expansion of harm reduction services such as supervised consumption and injectable opioid agonist treatment. Each of these legal and policy shifts offers only a partial solution to the unregulated market that flourishes in every part of the world. The goals of the Roundtable are: 1) develop a strategic road map – with concrete steps – for Canada to progress away from the policies of prohibition towards policies that promote public health, human rights, and social inclusion based on the legal regulation of currently illegal substances; 2) outline further research to inform this strategy and identify appropriate regulatory models for the Canadian context; 3) outline a knowledge translation strategy aimed at raising awareness and support for policy change; and 4) identify opportunities for international collaborations that will support further action.
Mark Tyndall
Wall Associate
The focus of Mark Tyndall’s research is public health and disadvantaged populations. His current interests include addiction, poverty, homelessness, drug overdose, and drug policy. As well as harm reduction, including supervised injection sites, regulated drug distribution and nicotine harm reduction (e-cigarettes/vaping). He is interested in community-based research with involvement of people with lived-experience.
Primary Recipient Awards
Mark Tyndall – Theme Development Workshop – 2018
Co-Principal Investigator Awards
Emily Jenkins – International Research Roundtables – 2019