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Full Text Available
Open Access / OK to Reproduce
Peer Reviewed
Objective
This article provides a critical socio-historical analysis of heroin (opioid) regulation with a focus on Canadian federal and provincial policies in the province of B.C., especially the city of Vancouver.
Findings/Key points
Examining Canada's history of heroin criminalization provides a window to understand the systemic discrimination against people who use illegal heroin and other opioids. From its inception, heroin prohibition has worked to brutally punish a small segment of the population, especially those who are poor, racialized, and gendered. Negative heroin discourse and stereotyping about people who use heroin had an effect, shaping drug law, policing, prisons, and policy and treatment options.
Design/methods
Drawing from primary and secondary sources, this article provides a critical socio-historical analysis of heroin (opioid) regulation in Canada.
