Convention on Psychotropic Substances

History of International Drug Control

• International drug control initiated with the 1912 International Opium Convention.
• Various treaties under League of Nations expanded controlled substances lists.
• The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs in 1961 consolidated existing drug control treaties.
• Drug use surged in Western developed nations in the 1960s.
• The UN Economic and Social Council passed a resolution in 1968 for limiting drug use.

Implementation of Drug Control Legislation

• Canada added Part IV to its Food and Drugs Act in 1969.
• The U.S. enacted the Controlled Substances Act in 1970.
• The U.K. passed the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
• Many nations followed suit with similar implementing legislation.
• Legislation typically established classes or Schedules of controlled substances.

Convention on Psychotropic Substances and Member States

• The Convention on Psychotropic Substances was established in early 1971.
• Member states totaled 184 as of February 2018, including 182 UN member states.
• 11 UN member states are not party to the convention.
• Liberia has signed but not ratified the treaty.
• The convention boasts broad international participation.

Schedules of Controlled Substances and Criteria for Scheduling

• The convention has four Schedules from I (most restrictive) to IV (least).
• Criteria for scheduling include abuse likelihood, public health impact, and medical utility.
• WHO determines drug eligibility for control and communicates assessments to the Commission.
• The Commission on Narcotic Drugs makes final decisions on drug scheduling.
• Alcohol and tobacco do not meet criteria for international control.

International Control Measures and Compliance

• The Convention on Psychotropic Substances aims to control substances with psychoactive properties.
• The U.S. Controlled Substances Act classifies substances into five schedules based on abuse potential.
• Nations must adhere to international drug control treaties to prevent diplomatic consequences.
• Scheduling decisions significantly impact the availability and use of controlled substances.
• International cooperation, regular reporting, and monitoring are crucial for effective drug control.

Convention on Psychotropic Substances Data Sources