Canadian Drug Policies: Irrational, Futile and Unjust

Abstract

Protection of individual freedom and civil liberties is highly valued in Canada. Yet, as a society, Canadians allow the erosion of these rights in the service of the War on Drugs. Ostensibly, this war is waged in order to protect society at large, and to protect individuals from themselves. However, the harm to society and to individuals resulting from our drug control policies is, in fact, greater than the benefits which drug policy legislators would have us believe are achievable. Through these policies, we are condoning a war of economics, politics, and power, while simultaneously sacrificing our societal and individual rights, rather than supporting a rational effort toward lessening the abuse of drugs.