UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs reclassifies cannabis to recognize its therapeutic uses

04/12/2020

Source: WHO (World Health Organization)

On 2nd December 2020, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the drug policy making body of the UN re-classified cannabis and cannabis resin under an international listing that recognizes its medical value.  The CND voted on recommendations made by the WHO’s 41st Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD), which suggested that cannabis and cannabis resin should be reclassified from its current listing alongside heroin, fentanyl analogues and other opioids considered to be exceptionally harmful to public health. 

In 2018, WHO’s ECDD carried out a formal review of cannabis and all cannabis-related substances that are currently subject to international control measures.  At that time, the ECDD advised that certain cannabis-derived medicines like cannabidiol have no potential to be abused or cause dependence but have significant health benefits for children with treatment-resistant epilepsy, and therefore should not be placed under international control.  The Committee went on to scientifically review cannabis and other products derived from the cannabis plant, and made a series of recommendations that would  more effectively control cannabis preparations with high levels of delta-9-THC (dronabinol), and allow further research and development of and improve access to cannabis-related medicines whilst also minimizing public health problems associated with non-medical cannabis products.

Continue reading: https://www.who.int/news/item/04-12-2020-un-commission-on-narcotic-drugs-reclassifies-cannabis-to-recognize-its-therapeutic-uses

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