THUNDER BAY – The Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police state, “Given that the issue of legalization of marijuana is once again becoming an area of national discussion, the CACP Drug Abuse Committee (DAC) felt it would be timely to provide you with a link to the “CACP Drug Policy”. (Link)
At the federal Liberal Party of Canada policy convention held in Ottawa last weekend, Liberal delegates voted to decriminalize marijuana. Interim Liberal leader Bob Rae has stated that he is not opposed to the policy.
The CACP believes in a balanced approach to the issue of substance abuse in Canada, consisting of prevention, education, enforcement, counseling, treatment, rehabilitation, and where appropriate, alternative measures and diversion to counter Canada’s drug problems.
The CACP states, in a release on their policy, “This document was endorsed at the 2007 CACP AGM. While not directly dealing with the legalization of marijuana, it reflects long-standing principles which can be used to discuss the issue of substance abuse and why the CACP will not support such an initiative”.
“Positive youth development through asset building makes an important difference in the lives of children and youth as they transition to young adulthood. While children and youth are only 20% of our population, they are 100% of our future. Police, as community leaders have a role to play in helping to keep their dreams alive and full of hope through a HEP (Health, Education and Enforcement) partnership model. The SEARCH Institute’s Developmental Asset Building tm is evidence based and endorsed by the CACP”.
The association of Chief of Police say, “Past prevention campaigns, such as those for anti-smoking and anti-drinking and driving, were successful in changing societal attitudes and behaviours, in part, because the undesirable behaviour was identified, judged and stigmatized. Recent messages that tend to de-stigmatize drug use have desensitized society, particularly impressionable young people, to the dangers of illicit drug use. Therefore, the CACP supports long-term and sustained prevention campaigns involving all key partners that have a clear abstinence message and that include clear information about the harm caused by illicit drug use”.
Other resources that may be of assistance to may be found through the following links:
Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse– this page is an excellent resource in accessing the latest research from Canada and other countries regarding marijuana issues.
Background information regarding the cost of substance abuse in Canada.