Psychoactive Drugs in Canada

This paper presents an overview of Canada’s position with regard to illicit drugs. First of all, a historical perspective of the origins of the laws on drugs, as well as a description of current laws and costs attributable to the application of these laws are exposed. Then, we analyze Canada’s Drug Strategy, its paradoxes and repercussions on drug policies. The trend towards a stabilization of consumption of illegal drugs prevalence among Canadians aged 15 years and over and among students is discussed through statistical data. Finally, we highlight a few aspects concerning the prevalence of recreational drug consumption and the process of normalization that began taking place in Canadian society.