International Public Health Forum on Cannabis

About the Forum

Organized by the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux, the International Public Health Forum on Cannabis: Prevention at the heart of our actions has the objective of creating a dynamic place for reflection, updating of knowledge and sharing of best practices in prevention of harm linked to cannabis use.

The Forum is intended as an opportunity for discussion with experts from Québec and elsewhere on approaches and interventions based on best practices, with the aim of guiding and planning the actions and investments provided for in the Cannabis Prevention and Research Fund. Furthermore, the public health approach preferred by Québec is a model that stands out internationally. In this sense, the Forum is looking for inspiration from other countries that have legalized cannabis for non-therapeutic use or that wish do so for prevention purposes.

First edition

This Forum is in its first edition, in continuity with the Forum of Experts held in 2017 in anticipation of the legislation. The event will be held from September 16 to 18, 2019 in Québec City.

Registration

Registration for the Forum is by invitation only. Please note that this Forum is not intended for the cannabis industry. Representatives of this sector may not register.

Scientific Committee

The Forum’s program was developed by a Scientific Committee composed of experts representing different sectors: research, the public health network, dependence intervention and the public service.

Composition of the Committee:

• Serge Brochu, Scientific Director, Institut universitaire sur les dépendances, Centre intégré universitaire du Centre-Sud-de-l’Île-de-Montréal
• Émilie Dionne, Research Advisor, Direction générale de santé publique, ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux
• François Gagnon, Specialized Scientific Advisor, Institut national de santé publique du Québec
• Valérie Houle, Planning, Programming and Research Officer, Healthy and Safe Lifestyles and Environments, Direction régionale de santé publique, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale
• Pamela Lachance-Touchette, Project Manager, Unité de recherche en psychiatrie des toxicomanies, Centre de recherche du CHUM
• Julie Loslier, Director of Public Health of the Montérégie Region and Chair of the Cannabis Vigilance Committee
• Ginette Martel, Coordinator of the Social Sector University Mission and Cross-Disciplinary Social Services, Direction générale des programmes dédiés aux personnes, aux familles et aux communautés, ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux
• Robert Perreault, Psychiatrist and Preventive Medicine Expert, Direction régionale de santé publique, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux du Centre-Sud-de-l'Île-de-Montréal
• Émilie Rochette, Cannabis Use Prevention Advisor, Direction générale de santé publique, ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux