Drug decriminalization: The importance of policy change for the health and wellbeing of children and youth in Canada

Commentary
by
Holland, Alyson, Selene Etches & Sarah Gander

Release Date

2023

Geography

Canada

Language of Resource

English

Full Text Available

No

Open Access / OK to Reproduce

No

Peer Reviewed

Yes

Findings/Key points

Drug decriminalization, by separating personal possession and use of drugs from the criminal justice system, allows for a health-based approach to drug policy. Paediatricians are well-positioned to advocate for policies within a decriminalization framework to prioritize the physical and mental health of children and youth.

Keywords

Decriminalization/legalization
About prescribers
Youth
Policy/Regulatory