The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) discussed the developments that are taking place worldwide with regard to cannabis and synthetic drugs last Thursday. INCB chairman Cornelis P. de Joncheere commented on the decades-old drug conventions of the United Nations Office for the Enforcement of Narcotic Drugs. Certainly in view of the global developments in recent years.
Joncheere indicated that there are a number of fundamental issues concerning the agreements to be looked at. We must acknowledge that the conventions were established 50 to 60 years ago, he added. 2021 is a suitable time to see whether the agreements are still suitable or whether the UN body needs alternative instruments to tackle drug problems.
In 2021, the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs will be exactly 60 years old. Time to look at which points this dusty treaty needs to be revised. Kenzi Riboulet-Zemouli, an independent US drug policy expert, told Marijuana Business Daily that the INCB is “the most authoritative international drug policy institution - and also the most conservative in its interpretation of the conventions.
Breaking taboos
“The fact that the head of the INCB suggests that the conventions are not suited to the challenges of the 21st century already breaks a strong taboo. This provides momentum to review laws and regulations internationally. "Taboo is the only reason why there has been no discussion of a new drug treaty since 1988," said Riboulet-Zemouli. Now that this taboo has been broken, new perspectives are opening. Joncheere's comments also come at an opportune time as the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) will meet in Vienna next week to discuss World Health Organization (WHO) cannabis recommendations.
Cannabis recommendations
"One thing is certain: if the CND rejects WHO's recommendations on cannabis, the gap between governments will widen," said Riboulet-Zemouli. "If the impasse over cannabis policy reform continues in the coming years, it will likely accelerate the end of the convention policy regime as a whole." Joncheere's predecessor as INCB head, Viroj Sumyai, took charge of a medical cannabis company in Thailand last week.
The INCB
The Vienna-based agency acts as the independent and quasi-judicial monitoring agency for the implementation of drug conventions in the US. One of the functions of INCB is to make recommendations on compliance with the treaties. INCB statements have gradually become more progressive over the years. For example, the new 2019 report mentions 'human rights' more than any previous INCB report in recent years.
However, the foreword to the latest INCB report notes that the INCB remains concerned about the developments in the legislation allowing the use of cannabis for recreational use. ” So quite conservative when you look at developments worldwide.
Cannabis in North America
The report notes that measures to decriminalize or legalize cannabis in North America are on the rise and warns that consumption is on the rise. The report cites the sale of edibles in Canada and legalization in the US state of Illinois as examples. The report also states that the number of cannabis users almost doubled in 2019 compared to 2018. When non-medicinal cannabis was not yet legal in the country.
Cannabis in Europe
According to the INCB, "The discussion of different approaches to regulating cannabis has been at the forefront of drug control policy debate across Europe." The report mentions “an increasing number of European countries” that are “exploring” or have already “launched” medical cannabis programs. “Most European countries allow cannabis to be used for medical and scientific purposes only, in accordance with their obligations,” notes the report.
However, the INCB expresses concern about "steps towards the legalization of the non-medical use of cannabis, including the legalization of the cultivation, distribution and use of cannabis for such purposes, particularly in the Netherlands and Luxembourg." “Developments in a few countries that have legalized or permitted cannabis for non-medical purposes or that tolerated its legalization at the sub-national level undermine universal adherence to the three international drug control conventions and commitment to their goals and objectives. The report warns.
Cannabis in New Zealand
New Zealand gets a special mention in the report due to the upcoming referendum for recreational marijuana legalization. The INCB reiterated that "all legislative and regulatory measures aimed at legalizing cannabis for non-medical purposes are inconsistent" with international drug control conventions. The agency "will continue to monitor New Zealand policy and legal developments regarding drug control and encourages the New Zealand government to continue its constructive dialogue with the council to ensure consistency with drug control conventions."
More and more legal cannabis
The report notes an increase in the use of legal cannabis since 2000. It says that until that year, only the United States reported the use of cannabis for scientific research. After 2000, the report says: “More and more countries are starting to use cannabis and cannabis extracts for medical purposes and for scientific research. Total legal production ”was 1,4 tons in 2000, and that figure increased to 289,5 tons in 2018 ″, according to the report.
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