Single convention on narcotic drugs

The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 is an international treaty to prohibit production and supply of specific narcotic drugs and of drugs with similar effects except under license for specific purposes, such as medical treatment and research. It was adopted on 30 March 1961 and entered into force on 13 December 1964.

Background

The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs was developed in response to the growing international concern over the abuse of narcotic drugs and the need for a unified international framework to control their production and distribution. Prior to the Single Convention, there were several international treaties addressing narcotic drugs, but they were fragmented and lacked a comprehensive approach.

Objectives

The primary objectives of the Single Convention are:

• To limit the possession, use, trade, distribution, import, export, manufacture, and production of drugs exclusively to medical and scientific purposes.
• To combat drug addiction through coordinated international action.
• To ensure the availability of narcotic drugs for medical and scientific purposes while preventing their diversion into illicit channels.

Key Provisions

Schedules of Controlled Substances

The Convention classifies drugs into four schedules based on their potential for abuse, therapeutic value, and risk to public health:

• Schedule I includes drugs that are highly addictive and have limited therapeutic value, such as heroin and cannabis.
• Schedule II includes drugs that are less addictive than those in Schedule I but still pose significant risks, such as codeine.
• Schedule III includes preparations containing narcotic drugs that are less likely to be abused, such as certain barbiturates.
• Schedule IV includes drugs that are particularly dangerous and have little or no therapeutic value, such as fentanyl.

International Control Measures

The Convention establishes a framework for international cooperation in controlling narcotic drugs, including:

• Licensing systems for the production, manufacture, export, import, distribution, and trade of narcotic drugs.
• Requirements for governments to report on the quantities of drugs produced and used within their territories.
• Measures to prevent the diversion of drugs from legal to illegal channels.

International Narcotics Control Board

The Convention established the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) to monitor the implementation of the treaty and ensure compliance by member states. The INCB is responsible for:

• Assessing the global demand for narcotic drugs for medical and scientific purposes.
• Monitoring the international trade in narcotic drugs.
• Providing assistance to countries in implementing the provisions of the Convention.

Amendments and Protocols

The Single Convention has been amended by the 1972 Protocol, which introduced additional measures to strengthen the control of narcotic drugs and improve the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts. The Protocol also enhanced the role of the INCB in monitoring compliance with the Convention.

Impact and Criticism

The Single Convention has been instrumental in shaping international drug control policy and has been adopted by 186 countries. However, it has faced criticism for:

• Focusing primarily on supply reduction rather than demand reduction and harm reduction.
• Its impact on the availability of narcotic drugs for legitimate medical use, particularly in developing countries.
• The inclusion of cannabis in Schedule I, which some argue is inconsistent with its therapeutic potential.

Conclusion

The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs remains a cornerstone of international drug control policy. While it has been successful in establishing a global framework for controlling narcotic drugs, ongoing challenges and criticisms highlight the need for continued evaluation and adaptation of international drug policies.