Developing evidence-based public policy is essential for effectively addressing substance use and addiction. CCSA supports this by providing research and expertise, and fostering partnerships to inform decision making. By combining evidence, collaboration, and a focus on health and social equity, CCSA helps create policies that promote public health and safety.
Heading
Policy Briefs and Reports
A policy brief is a concise summary of an issue, presenting policy options and evidence-based recommendations to assist policy makers. CCSA uses policy briefs as a key tool to support informed policy development on substance use and addiction.
Heading
Parliamentary Engagement
As Canada’s leading authority on substance use and addiction, CCSA provides expert guidance while maintaining an independent relationship with the government. By increasing awareness of evidence and best practices, CCSA helps policy makers, professionals and the public address substance-related harms.
Policy and the Regulation of Legal Cannabis
With the federal legalization of cannabis products, each province and territory is responsible for developing its own regulations for sales and distribution. They can add additional restrictions to the legislation. For example, provinces and territories can increase the age of access. Municipalities can also pass bylaws to further regulate the use of cannabis in their local community.
We developed an interactive map to provide a summary of the provincial and territorial cannabis regulations.
Featured Resource
Heading
Policy Brief: Updating the Provisions for Hospitals and Practitioners in Regulations Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
This submission to Health Canada’s Controlled Substances and Overdose Response Directorate highlights the need to align regulations with modern substance use healthcare practices. Key points include expanding controlled substance activities beyond hospitals, updating regulations to reflect shifts in healthcare delivery and authorizing more healthcare professionals to provide care.
Get to know our team of experts
Alexander Caudarella, MDCM CCFP AM ABAM(d)
CEO
Area of Expertise:
Karen Cumberland, MPA
Vice President, Strategic Initiatives and Community Outreach
François Gagnon, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
Area of Expertise:
- More Area of Expertise
Pam Kent, PhD
Director, Research and Emerging Trends
Area of Expertise:
Shawna Meister, MA
Associate Director, Innovation and Evidence in Practice
Area of Expertise:
Adam Sherk, PhD
Senior Scientist and Special Policy Advisor
Area of Expertise:
Bryce Barker, PhD, CE
Senior Knowledge Broker
Area of Expertise:
Heading
Contact an Expert
Latest CCSA Updates
CCSA hosting mayors from across Canada to address impact of the substance use crisis on small cities
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) is gathering mayors of small cities in Lethbridge, Alta., to continue work on the first municipally led, integrated standards for…
The Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction (CCSA) is gathering mayors of small cities in Lethbridge, Alta., to continue work on the first municipally led, integrated standards for…
Heading
Guidance, Tools and Resources
CCSA produces research-based publications, tools, and resources to support evidence-based decision-making on substance use health issues. Select your area of interest from the categories below to learn more:
Heading
Substances
CCSA produces a variety of substance use- and addiction-related publications for researchers, policy makers and health service providers. We provide guidance to decision makers through harnessing the power of research, collecting and organizing knowledge, and bringing together diverse perspectives.
Heading
Health and Public Safety
CCSA conducts research, develops tools and resources, and produces targeted materials to support evidence-based decisions and public policy. Review our key resources on health and public safety in relation to substance use health and addiction issues.
Heading
People and Communities
CCSA is dedicated to the health and well-being of individuals and communities, focusing on the impact of substance use across the lifespan, the perspectives of people with lived experience, and the roles of stigma, sex and gender, and educators in substance use health.
