Frequently Asked Questions

The foundation was established in memory of Matthew Tot, who battled drug addiction and homelessness. It embodies the compassion and support a group of strangers offered his brother during this trying time. The goal is to extend this compassion to others facing similar struggles and advocate for transformative drug policy reforms.

The foundation advocates for drug policy reform, focusing on decriminalization and regulation of drugs. It aims to foster a compassionate, understanding approach to drug use and addiction, educate the public about these complex issues, and push for supportive structures for those struggling with addiction.

Legalization and regulation can reduce drug-related crimes, lessen the burden on the justice system, and decrease the power of criminal organizations. It also allows for safer, controlled substance use, can generate tax revenues, and provide a framework for comprehensive support services for those battling addiction.

You can educate yourself about drug addiction and drug policies, raise awareness about these issues, advocate for policy change, donate to organizations working in this field, volunteer your time and services, and practice compassion towards those struggling with addiction.

The foundation focuses on Policy Advocacy, Public Education and Awareness, and Community Engagement as the pillars of effecting change.

Decriminalization can reduce the costs associated with law enforcement, court proceedings, and imprisonment. It can also improve public health by shifting focus from punishment to treatment. Additionally, regulating and taxing drugs can generate substantial revenue that can be reinvested in health, education, and other social programs.

As of 2021, about 1 in 5 inmates in Canadian federal prisons are there for drug offenses. However, when considering indirect crimes related to drug use, such as theft or violent crimes committed under the influence or to support addiction, the percentage is likely significantly higher.

The foundation provides resources that help to understand the science of addiction, the history and impact of drug laws in Canada, the benefits of drug policy reform, and the different ways to support those struggling with addiction.

The Circle of Hope symbolizes the compassion and support provided by a community that comes together to help a person in pain. It's the idea that we can collectively create a nurturing environment that fosters understanding and aids in recovery from addiction.

The foundation advocates for policy reform by proposing measures that go beyond mere legalization. It focuses on robust support structures for individuals struggling with drug issues and collaborates with organizations, researchers, and policymakers to amplify the call for change.

Understanding the science of addiction helps in realizing that addiction is a complex disorder influenced by various factors, including genetics, environment, and mental health. It's not simply a matter of choice or moral failure, which is a common misconception. This knowledge can help foster empathy and reduce stigma.

The foundation's comprehensive education program, "Understanding Drug Addiction and Advocacy", includes various lessons that touch upon the Science of Addiction, History of Drug Laws, Benefits of Drug Policy Reform, Role of Compassion in Recovery, and Effective Advocacy Techniques.

Social benefits of decriminalizing drugs include reducing drug-related crimes, decreasing the power of criminal organizations, improving public health outcomes, fostering safer, controlled substance use, and removing the stigma associated with drug use.

Economic benefits include reduced spending on law enforcement and judicial proceedings, increased tax revenue from regulated drug sales, and potential for growth in new industries.

Indirect crimes related to drug use can include theft, robbery, and other forms of property crime committed to support an addiction. Violence related to drug trafficking or disputes among drug users are also considered indirect drug-related crimes.

Education and awareness are crucial to debunk misconceptions, reduce stigma, and foster empathy towards those struggling with drug addiction. They also play a key role in building public support for drug policy reforms.

While the drug crisis is a global issue, our initial focus is Canada because this is where our story begins, with Matthew's journey. Addressing the drug policy reform in Canada also serves as a case study that could potentially inspire changes globally.

You can contribute in various ways, such as raising awareness about our cause, volunteering your time, donating funds, engaging in educational courses, and advocating for drug policy reforms in your community.

Advocacy and lobbying are critical to bringing about policy reform. This includes contacting local representatives, joining rallies and public campaigns, organizing educational seminars and workshops, and using social media platforms to raise awareness.

Legalizing and regulating drugs can potentially reduce drug-related crime in several ways, such as eliminating the black market for drugs, reducing drug-related violence, and freeing up law enforcement resources to focus on more serious crimes.

The foundation provides a range of resources, including educational courses on addiction and drug policy, comprehensive guides on advocating for policy reform, personal narratives to humanize the issue, and a directory of support services for individuals struggling with drug issues.

Regulation of drug markets can ensure safer, quality-controlled substance use, reducing the risk of harm from adulterated or excessively potent substances. It can also undercut the black market, reducing associated violence and crime, and generate tax revenue that can be used to fund public health initiatives.

Alternatives include rehabilitation programs, community service, and socio-economic development efforts. These alternatives focus on helping these individuals exit the cycle of crime rather than perpetuating it through punitive measures.

You can get involved by advocating for reform in your local government, educating others about the issues surrounding current drug policies, supporting organizations like ours, and treating individuals with substance use disorders with compassion and understanding.

Understanding addiction as a health issue, not a criminal one, can shift the narrative towards policies that prioritize rehabilitation and support over punishment. This understanding can also help reduce the stigma around substance use disorders, encouraging more people to seek help.

Legalization and regulation could lead to safer substance use, reducing the strain on healthcare from drug-related harm. Tax revenue from regulated drugs could also be invested into healthcare, improving access to treatment for substance use disorders.

Prioritizing public health means recognizing addiction as a health issue and focusing on harm reduction, treatment, and prevention. It means shifting resources from punitive measures towards comprehensive healthcare and support services.

Potential changes could include reduced drug-related harm and crime, better public health outcomes, decreased prison populations, and more resources for treatment and support services. There might also be a reduction in stigma around drug use, making it easier for individuals to seek help.

Socio-economic development provides individuals in illicit drug markets with legitimate exit strategies. By addressing issues like poverty and lack of education, which often lead to involvement in illicit drug markets, we can help create a society where drugs are less likely to be a problem.