The Le Dain Commission Report

The Interim Report of the Canadian Government Commission of Inquiry into the Non-Medical Use of Drugs

This report, the largest study ever conducted by the Government of Canada, is coming soon to these pages.

CONTENTS

Chapter 1 - THE COMMISSION'S INTERPRETATION OF ITS TASK

• The Commission's Terms of References
• The Implications of the Terms of Reference
• Methods of Inquiry
• The Role of the Interim Report
• Staff and Research

Chapter 2 - THE DRUGS AND THEIR EFFECTS

Introduction

• The Role of Science
• The Classification of Drugs
• Psychological Considerations
• Pharmacological Considerations
• Tolerance and Dependence
• Scientific Methods

A Review of Selected Drugs

Barbiturates

Alcohol

Minor Tranquillizers and Other Drugs

Amphetamines

LSD

Cannabis

Some Cannabis Studies of Current Significance

I. The 'La Guardia Report' (1944)

II. Isbell et al (1967)

III. Weil, Zinberg and Nelsen (1969)

IV. Jones and Stone (1969)

V. Clark and Nakashima (1968)

VI. Crancer et al (1969)

VII. Robins et al (1969)

VIII. ARF's Marijuana Users Study (1970)

IX. Report of the Indian Hemp Drugs Commission (1894)

Opiate Narcotics

Volatile Solvents

References and Selected Bibliography

Chapter 3 - THE EXTENT AND PATTERNS OF NON-MEDICAL DRUG USE IN CANADA

Introduction

Alcohol

Barbiturates and Tranquillizers

The Barbiturates

The Minor Tranquillizers

The Amphetamines

The 'Speed' Phenomenon

LSD and Other Strong Hallucinogens

Cannabis

Opiate Narcotics

Solvents

References

Chapter 4 - SOME CAUSES OF NON-MEDICAL DRUG USE

References

Chapter 5 - PRESENT CANADIAN POLICY - THE LAW

Introduction

Law and Law Enforcement

Some Historical Background

International Framework

Constitutional Framework

Federal Legislation and its Enforcement

The Statutes and Administrative Regulations

The Role of Possession and Possessional Offences

Burden of Proof

The Definition of Trafficking

Methods of Enforcement

Sentencing Policy

Empirical Study of Law Enforcement and Correctional System

References

Chapter 6 - THE ISSUES - SOME INTERIM RECOMMENDATIONS

Introduction

The Effects of the Drugs

General

Cannabis

LSD

Amphetamines

Multiple Drug Use

Drugs and Crime

Extent and Patterns of Non-Medical Drug Use

Causes of Non-Medical Drug Use

Social Response

Research, Information and Education

The Law

Treatment and Supportive Services

Prescribing Practices and Controls

Disagreement by M.-A. Bertrand

References

Appendices:

APPENDIX A. Submissions to the Commission

APPENDIX B. Letters from Private Citizens

APPENDIX C. Commissioners and Staff

APPENDIX D. Some Surveys of Drug Use Among Canadian High School and University Students

APPENDIX E. Current Research on Cannabis and Other Drugs

APPENDIX F. Innovative Services

GLOSSARY OF SCIENTIFIC AND 'TECHNICAL TERMS