At this year’s conference we are encouraging participants to ‘Dare to be Sensible’; to look past assumptions and politics towards the evidence that points to more compassionate, courageous and sensible policies when it comes to substances.  We are inspired by the many Canadian researchers, academics and activists who have spoken out against the harmful and ineffective policies that are backed only by rhetoric and ideology, and who have offered alternatives based that are based instead on evidence, experience and science.  We want to share this inspiration with the students, youth, activists, academics, user groups, service providers, educators, professionals and politicians, who will be joining us in Toronto this November.

During the conference, students and youth from across the country will have the chance to display and present their views on issues related to drug policy through a poster presentation.  Posters will be displayed throughout the day, with the chance for students to discuss their work and engage with other attendees.  Besides looking great on your résumé, this is a great opportunity to get feedback on your work and ideas from other drug policy reformers, activists and academics.  Students presenting at the conference may also be eligible to apply for travel funds from their schools or departments, making the trip to Toronto more affordable.

What is a Poster Presentation?  Poster presentations are great ways to present and discuss your work in a direct fashion with people in the field.  Got a research paper you’ve written on Canadian drug policy?  Got one in the works? Just got an idea or some thoughts to work through?  This is your time to present your ideas in a visual manner.  Never done a poster presentation before? No worries! Feel free to ask us for advice.

Themes:  Anything relating to drug policy (preferably relating to the conference themes)!  Some ideas and examples: Historical or contemporary issues in Canadian drug policy, prohibition and alternative forms of substance regulation, drugs and healing, gender and drug policy, impact of drug laws on marginalized communities, the consequences of prohibitionist policies, psychedelics, substance use and popular culture, addiction treatment and alternative forms, harm reduction policies, youth drug education, rehabilitation methods, drugs and prisons, drugs and globalization, criminalization of substances and users, substance use and academia, examples of resistance, community based alternatives to the drug war.

Submissions are now being accepted.  Deadline for Submission: October 22, 2010

Please send an abstract or description of your submission to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it    Space is limited. 

Limited travel funds are available. Please inquire early if you plan on applying for travel subsidy funds from CSSDP.  Remember, presenting at a conference often means you are eligible for travel funds from your school, please inquire with your school or department for support. For more information about ways to secure funding for travel to the conference please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or fill out a travel subsidy application here.