Public Health Perspectives on Cannabis Policy and Regulation

Cannabis Science and Policy Summit, New YorkApril 18 2016

Dr. Brian Emerson, Medical ConsultantPopulation and Public Health Division

BC Ministry of Health, Victoria, British Columbia

T 250.952.1701

brian.emerson@gov.bc.ca

Disclosures

• No commercial, industry or any other interests to disclose.

• Employed by the BC Ministry of Health

• Member of the Health Officers Council of BC and the Canadian Public Health Association

The Paradox of ProhibitionH

eal

th a

nd

So

cial

Pro

ble

ms

Market Regulation

Illegal Market Gangsterism

Corporate Profit

HeroinCocaine

TobaccoAlcohol

ProhibitionDefacto

Decriminalization

Decriminalization PrescriptionLegalize with

Many Restrictions

Legalize with Few Restrictions

Public Health

CannabisMethamphetamine

The Paradox of ProhibitionH

eal

th a

nd

So

cial

Pro

ble

ms

Market Regulation

Public Health

Illegal Market Gangsterism

Corporate Profit

HeroinCocaine

ProhibitionDefacto

Depenalization

Decriminalization PrescriptionLegalize with

Many Restrictions

Legalize with Few Restrictions

CannabisMethamphetamine

Medical Cannabis

TobaccoAlcohol

Thanks for the “Paradox of Prohibition” slides to Donald MacPherson,

Executive Director, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition

Slides based on the work of John Marks.

http://drugpolicy.ca/