The Public Health Implications of the Legalization of Recreational Cannabis: Ontario Public Health Association Position Paper

Abstract

The Ontario Public Health Association (OPHA) is a member-based, not-for-profit association that provides leadership on issues affecting the public’s health and strengthens the impact of those who are active in public and community health throughout Ontario. OPHA has multiple active work groups and task forces that focus on particular public health issues. OPHA’s Cannabis Task Group has focused on developing a comprehensive analysis and literature review to inform the development of a policy position statement on the public health impacts of the upcoming legalization of cannabis in Ontario and Canada. Specific reference and considerations were paid to the context, populations, potential challenges and health equity as they relate to Ontario.