INCB Annual Report – On cannabis used for medical or scientific purposes

Cannabis used for medical or scientific purposes

61. Cannabis is included in Schedules I and IV of the 1961 Convention. Substances in Schedule IV are those

considered particularly liable to abuse and to produce ill effects.

62. For several years there has been scientific research in the therapeutic usefulness of cannabis or cannabis extracts in several countries. The Board welcomes sound scientific research on the therapeutic usefulness of cannabis and cannabis extracts, as stated in previous reports,23 and invites all Governments concerned to share the results of such research, when available, with the Board, WHO and the international community. The Board is concerned that, without having appropriate scientific confirmation of its efficacy, a few Governments authorized the use of cannabis for medical purposes.

63. Pursuant to article 28 of the 1961 Convention, a State that permits the cultivation of the cannabis plant for the production of cannabis is required to establish a national cannabis agency to carry out the functions stipulated under article 23 of that Convention. The agency designates the areas in which cultivation is permitted, licenses cultivators, purchases and takes physical possession of crops and has the exclusive right of wholesale trading and maintaining stocks. As for all narcotic drugs, parties to the Convention have the obligation to submit to the Board each year their estimates and statistical reports with respect to cannabis.

64. Failure of a party to comply with mandatory control measures for the cultivation of the cannabis plant or the production or use of cannabis may facilitate the diversion of cannabis into illicit channels. The Board requests all Governments concerned to ensure full compliance with the control measures for cannabis as stipulated in the 1961 Convention.