Drug policies in Canada: towards decriminalization and legalization
What
SPE Cafe
When
Mar 31, 2022, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. EDT
Where
Zoom
In Canada, non-violent possession of controlled substances is a crime punishable by fines or jail time. Criminalization of drugs disproportionately affects racialized groups. Moreover, post-sentencing and release of individuals with criminal charges experience limitations when it comes to housing, employment, and/or treatment. These issues exacerbate issues for populations that have experienced persistent, systemic barriers. In this cafe, we will hear from two guest speakers, followed by small group discussions in break-out rooms. We aim to understand the current gaps in drug policies in Canada and to discuss recommendations for more constructive drug policies. Cost: Free! The link for the event will be sent the day before. The event will be delivered in English.
Sara Guzman currently works at Health Canada as a chemist, analyzing controlled substances and elucidating new psychoactive compounds. She is passionate about reaction monitoring and is planning to pursue graduate studies in organic chemistry this fall. Before joining Health Canada, she was one of the first drug checking technicians at BCCSU in their pilot drug checking project, which has now expanded across BC. Kira (she/her) is passionate about connecting research, policy and grassroots organizing in order to further sensible drug policy and education. She is currently pursuing her PhD as a Vanier Scholar at the Université de Montréal, examining the relationships between cannabis use and mental health in sexually and gender diverse youth. Kira has chaired the national board of CSSDP since September 2018 and is involved locally in Montréal both with CSSDP Tiohtià:ke/Montréal and VoxCann, a bilingual cannabis education initiative for youth, which she co-founded in 2018.
