Akwasi Owusu-Bempah

Akwasi Owusu-Bempah is an Associate Professor and Associate Chair (Research) in the Department of Sociology at the University of Toronto. He holds affiliate roles at Massey College and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and directs research for the Campaign for Cannabis Amnesty. His work focuses on race, crime, and criminal justice, particularly the intersections of policing, drug policy, and systemic racism. Educated at Carleton University (B.A.) and the University of Toronto (M.A., Ph.D.), he previously held roles with Canada’s National Judicial Institute, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and Ontario’s Ministry of the Solicitor General.

Dr. Owusu-Bempah’s research examines racial disparities in criminal justice systems, cannabis legalization’s impact, and policing practices. He has authored/co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and policy reports, including the 2023 book *Waiting to Inhale: Cannabis Legalization and the Fight for Racial Justice*. His work emphasizes evidence-based policy and has been cited in media outlets and legislative discussions.

Key areas of research include:

• Racial profiling and policing practices
• Cannabis legalization’s inequities
• Health disparities among incarcerated populations
• Racialized communities’ experiences with criminal justice

He collaborates with government agencies, community organizations, and international scholars, producing actionable research on decarceration, drug policy reform, and anti-racist criminal justice frameworks.