In the latest annual report from INCB (International Narcotics Control Board) in Vienna, the Board is specific about cannabis used for medical or scientific purposes and use of cannabis seeds for illicit purposes. Important information for decision makers in order to comply with mandatory control measures.

INCB on 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.

INCB on use of cannabis seeds for illicit purposes

72. The Commission on Narcotic Drugs, in its resolution 52/5, requested the Board, in cooperation with other competent international bodies, to gather from Member States regulatory information on cannabis seeds, including on the sale of cannabis seeds through the Internet, and to share that information with Member States.

73. In order to collect the requested information, the Board has sent to all Governments a questionnaire on regulations pertaining to cannabis seeds. The questionnaire is to be used to identify whether any provisions in national laws or administrative regulations are aimed at preventing the use of cannabis seeds for the illicit cultivation of cannabis plants and to obtain a detailed description of the various regulations on cannabis seeds that are applied in countries worldwide. Such provisions may include, for instance, regulation of the production of, trade in or use of cannabis seeds in general or of cannabis seeds of certain varieties of the cannabis plant (for example, varieties with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content above a certain level). Information gathered on other control provisions, including authorizations and licences, may also be useful. The Board trusts that Governments will furnish the requested information in due time. The Board will examine the information received and report on the results of the analysis.

74. A number of Governments have reported an increase in the illicit cultivation of cannabis plants, particularly cannabis plants cultivated indoors, and an increase in the THC content of some varieties of the cannabis plant. The wide availability of cannabis seeds, which are not controlled under the international drug control treaties, is a factor contributing to that development. The Board is deeply concerned about the wide availability of cannabis seeds sold over the Internet. Internet sites selling cannabis seeds and related advertisements obviously incite the illicit cultivation of cannabis plants. The Board notes that article 3, paragraph 1 (c) (iii), of the 1988 Convention requires States parties to establish as a criminal offence, inter alia, public incitement or inducement of others to engage in the illicit cultivation of the cannabis plant or to use cannabis illicitly. The Board calls upon Governments to implement that provision of the 1988 Convention and to take appropriate measures against the sale of cannabis seeds for illicit purposes.

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