as part of Integrated Supervised Injection Services Evaluation in Toronto, Ontario

This study examined associations between SCS use and non-fatal overdose among PWID in Toronto, Ontario, Canada amidst the current opioid overdose epidemic, drawing on baseline data from a cohort of PWID including individuals who do and do not use SCS.

as part of COVID-19 Rapid Assessment

The Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, the Office of the Chief Coroner for Ontario/the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service, Public Health Ontario, and the CDPE have published a report analyzing trends in opioid-related deaths and comparing circumstances of death between two groups: a COVID-19 pandemic cohort and a pre-pandemic cohort.

as part of Policy Impact Unit

The aim of this project was to examine the race and gender of c-suite level executives and boards of directors of licensed cannabis producers and their parent companies operating in the Canadian cannabis industry, in order to assess whether the promise of an equitable legal cannabis market has been achieved.

as part of Systematic Reviews on Drug Policy

Preventing the transition to injection drug use is an important public health goal, as people who inject drugs (PWID) are at high risk for overdose and acquisition of infectious disease. Initiation into drug injection is primarily a social process, often involving PWID assistance. A better understanding of the epidemiology of this phenomenon would inform interventions to prevent injection initiation and to enhance safety when assistance is provided.

as part of Systematic Reviews on Drug Policy

Given increasing interest in quantifying the impact of drug law reform, as well as a lack of systematic assessment of outcomes beyond adolescent cannabis use to date, we conducted a systematic review of original peer-reviewed research evaluating the impacts of (a) legal regulation and (b) drug decriminalisation on drug availability, use or related health and social harms. Our primary aim is to characterise studies with respect to metrics and indicators used. The secondary aim is to summarise the findings and methodological quality of studies to date.

as part of Drug Policy Metrics Map

Analysing arguably one of the most contested areas in public policy, this pioneering Research Handbook brings together contributions from a variety of researchers and practitioners to provide a global overview of the shifting dynamics of drug policy.

Published: July 1, 2020 as part of Preventing Injecting by Modifying Existing Responses (PRIMER)

Given the prevalence and harms of incarceration among persons who inject drugs (PWID) and their role in injection drug use initiation, this study aimed to investigate whether recent incarceration influences the likelihood PWID assist others in their first-ever injection.

Published: March 27, 2020 as part of Safer Opioid Supply Programs Evaluation in Toronto, Ontario

This commentary explores the current state of policy and practice for diacetylmorphine and hydromorphone as opioid substitution options in Canada, outlines the rationale for rapid expansion of access, and highlights clinical and policy changes that must be undertaken or the death toll will continue to rise.

Published: January 28, 2020 as part of Toronto’s Drug Checking Service

As a harm reduction intervention available in Europe since the 1990s, DCS provide information on the composition of drugs to their clients in order to facilitate more informed drug-related decision-making and to increase the capacity of individuals to avoid ingesting unanticipated toxic substances, which can lead to overdose and death.

as part of Toronto’s Drug Checking Service

Results from samples checked by Toronto's drug checking service between October 10, 2019 - March 31, 2020.