Drug control treaties

Drug control treaties are international agreements aimed at controlling and regulating the production, distribution, and use of psychoactive substances. These treaties are designed to combat drug trafficking and misuse, while ensuring the availability of drugs for medical and scientific purposes.

History

The first international drug control treaty was the International Opium Convention, signed in 1912 at The Hague. This was followed by the Agreement concerning the Manufacture of, Internal Trade in and Use of Prepared Opium in 1925, the Convention for Limiting the Manufacture and Regulating the Distribution of Narcotic Drugs in 1931, and the Convention for the Suppression of the Illicit Traffic in Dangerous Drugs in 1936.

The current framework of international drug control is based on three main treaties: the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, and the United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988.

Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs

The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 is a universal system for the control of narcotic drugs. It combines all existing drug control treaties into a single instrument and introduces a new international drug control system. The treaty prohibits the production and supply of specific drugs and of drugs with similar effects, except under license for specific purposes, such as medical treatment and research.

Convention on Psychotropic Substances

The Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 expands the scope of international drug control to include the production and distribution of psychotropic substances. The treaty establishes a system of controls for a range of substances, including hallucinogens, stimulants, depressants, and anxiolytics.

United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances

The United Nations Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 1988 is a response to the increasing problem of illicit drug trafficking. The treaty provides comprehensive measures against drug trafficking, including provisions against money laundering and the diversion of precursor chemicals, and establishes an international cooperation mechanism for drug control.

See also

• Drug policy
• Drug prohibition law
• War on Drugs
• International Narcotics Control Board