Lecture Notes on Drug Policy and Prohibition in Canada

Introduction

• Thanked KBC, Amanda, and Dr. Paulie.
• Visual presentation provided.

Historical Context

• 19th Century Drug Use: Medical vs. non-medical use of opiates; no clear distinction.
• Social Customs: Opium, alcohol, and tobacco were widely consumed.
• Drug Control: Drug consumption and control methods have evolved significantly.

Drug Prohibition in Canada

• Crime Rate: Crime rate at its lowest since 1969, but drug offenses have been increasing.
• Cannabis: Most often regulated; possession arrests doubled between 2005-2011.
• Approach: Canada adopted a prohibitionist approach focusing on criminal justice.
• Early Controls: Few controls existed, and patent medicines were popular.
• Opium Use: Widely used by upper-middle-class white women for pain relief.

Medical and Patent Medicines

• Cannabis Tonics: Popular in late 1800s to early 1900s, advertised for health benefits.
• Cocoa Plant: Used in patent medicines and elixirs.
• Cocaine and Opium Products: Cocaine toothache drops, Coca-Cola with cocaine, heroin by Bayer were common.

Alcohol and Tobacco Regulation

• Alcohol: Prohibition imposed on First Nations for over a century.
• Tobacco: Mostly regulated legally rather than criminalized.
• Colonial Introduction: Alcohol introduced to Indigenous peoples by settlers.
• Christian Temperance Movement: Led by women advocating sobriety.
• Indian Act: 1868 Act prohibited alcohol to 'status Indians,' leading to covert, dangerous drinking practices.

Chinese Workers and Opium

• Railway Workers: Chinese workers invited to Canada for railway construction.
• Racial Discrimination: Increased after economic slump.
• Opium Act 1908: Criminalized crude opium, primarily targeting Chinese communities.

International Influence

• Shanghai Opium Commission 1909: Canada participated, enforcing stricter drug controls internationally.
• Early Narcotic Control: Division of Narcotic Control established post-WWI.

Notable Figures and Policies

• Harry Anslinger: Instrumental in US drug prohibition, closely worked with Canadian officials.
• Emily Murphy: Canadian moral reformer, advocated for harsh drug laws.
• Black Candle Book: Contributed to the criminalization of marijuana in Canada.
• RCMP: Militarized enforcement of drug laws.

Shift in Drug Policy Post-WWII

• Ernest Winch: Called for treatment instead of punishment for drug addicts.
• Narcotic Control Act 1961: Max life sentence for trafficking, harshest drug law enacted.
• Public Drug Treatment: Slow initiation, remaining abstinence-based.

Changes in the 1960s and 1970s

• Youth Drug Culture: Shift in drug use leading to increased arrests and public backlash.
• Georgia Straight: Political activism against police brutality and drug laws.
• Gas Town Riot 1971: Result of peaceful protest against drug laws.
• Le Dane Commission: Recommended decriminalization and improved drug treatment but was met with resistance.

Era of Prescription Drugs

• Drug Increase: From 300 prescription drugs in the 1960s to over 10,000 today.
• Impact: Some drugs life-affirming, some problematic.

Harm Reduction and Advocacy

• VANDU Emergence: Advocated for the health and rights of drug users.
• Four-Pillar Approach: Emphasizes prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and enforcement.
• Safe Injection Sites: Insite opened in 2003 after much advocacy.

Medical Marijuana and Legal Issues

• Compassion Clubs: Emerged in response to federal medical marijuana program.
• Mandatory Minimum Sentencing: Safe Streets and Communities Act 2012, contrasted with US states' approach.

Political Climate & Reform

• Federal and City Struggles: Regulatory attempts in Vancouver and Victoria.
• Justin Trudeau’s Campaign: Promised the regulation of cannabis.
• Global Reform Movement: Shift toward viewing prohibition as harmful.

Conclusion

• Critical Perspective: Calls for humanizing drug users, questioning punitive measures.
• Hope for Change: Advocates for better regulation, education, and inclusive policies.

Thank you for listening.