Conventions and International Bodies

The general aim of the conventions is to ensure through co-ordinated international action that medically and scientifically useful drugs are available for those purposes without being available for misuse.

The first of the two conventions is the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which applies to opiates/opioids, cocaine and cannabis. It is called “Single” because it was the single convention, which replaced the many that were previously in force.

The second convention is the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, which extended controls to LSD, amphetamine, barbiturates and benzodiazepines.

About 150 drugs are controlled under the two UN conventions. Inclusion of a drug under the controls reflects the principle that in general the drug has a legitimate medical or scientific use which must be protected and that its misuse gives rise to public health, social and economic problems.

The conventions also provide for United Nations’ machinery to monitor the conventions and to co-ordinate the cultivation, manufacture and supply of drugs at an international level.

At the top, the Economic and Social Council determines UN policy and makes recommendations to national governments.

It is assisted by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, which is the central policy-making body. The Commission drafts new conventions and changes to the existing one (e.g. the addition of new drugs or changes to the level of control on existing controlled substances).

The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) is an independent executive body reporting to the Economic and Social Council.

Its main job is to help governments achieve a proper balance between supply and legitimate need. To this end it administers a system of forecasts (estimates) and statistical returns for most of the drugs controlled by the Conventions.

For more information go to www.incb.org