UN Commission Reclassifies Cannabis

As part of the 63rd CND session, the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) took a number of decisions leading to changes in the way cannabis is internationally regulated.

One of the key decisions included its reclassification out of the Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, where it was listed alongside highly addictive opioids.

The removal of marijuana from the list of dangerous drugs was approved by a 27-to-25 member states, with one abstention. This is considered a very significant move which could impact the global medical marijuana industry. 

This historic vote came about following recommendations put forward by the Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD), an independent scientific advisory body to the WHO.

After voting, several of the member states made statements on their stances.