Marijuana now removed from UN's list of world's most dangerous drugs
The United Nations has now removed marijuana from its list of the world’s most dangerous drugs.
The UN’s Commission on Narcotic Drugs voted on the move upon the recommendation of the World Health Organization (WHO).
In a 27-25 vote with one abstention, the UN body removed cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the 1961 Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which is a document governing drug controls in different countries.
Ambassador Khan @ambmansoorkhan, @CND_tweets Chair, opens the 63rd reconvened session – starting with the voting on @WHO scheduling recommendations on cannabis and cannabis-related substances @UNODC @UN_Vienna. Webcast: https://t.co/KMteoWuPpF pic.twitter.com/HOdQvhcZ8X
— CND (@CND_tweets) December 2, 2020
Drugs classified under Schedule IV are fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, morphine and other opioids.
The WHO has previously stated that cannabis carries no significant risk and has shown potential in medical use. With this, the WHO has recommended for marijuana to be listed under Schedule I, the next level of control, due to public health problems brought from high rates of usage.
Though cannabis and cannabis resin has been removed from Schedule IV, this does not clear member nations from legalizing cannabis use.
The UN has noted that more than 50 countries have adopted medicinal cannabis programs while Canada, Uruguay and 15 US states have legalized its recreational use, with Mexico and Luxembourg close to becoming the third and fourth countries to do so.
