INCB concerned over spread of ”medical” cannabis

In a press release 24 February 2010 INCB states that it is concerned over spread of “medical” cannabis.

In the United States, several states have enacted laws that provide for the purported “medical” use of cannabis. The control measures applied in those states fall short of the requirements of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

INCB is deeply concerned that those insufficient control provisions have contributed substantially to the increase in illicit cultivation and abuse of cannabis in the United States. In addition, that development sends a wrong message to other countries, says INCB.

INCB appreciates that the Government of the United States has confirmed that it has no intention to legalize cannabis. INCB is, however, concerned over the ongoing discussion in several states in the United states on legalizing and taxing the “recreational” use of cannabis. This would be a serious contravention of the 1961 Convention, says INCB.

In its report, INCB emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Government of the United States to fully implement the provisions of the 1961 Convention with respect to all narcotic drugs, including cannabis. INCB pointed out that the obligations of the international drug control treaties are applicable in the entire territory of each State party, including its federated states and/or provinces.