Ancient cultures and societies have been using cannabis for ceremonial, recreational, and medicinal purposes for centuries. In fact, experts have found written references to medical marijuana as far back as the fifteenth century BC Chinese medicine list [1]. Despite this, modern society has viewed the drug as a dangerous and restricted substance. A recent UN vote on cannabis may now change that.

The UN Vote on Cannabis

The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs put cannabis in the same category as other highly addictive opioids like heroin and fentanyl [2]. This, however, placed it under the strictest controls, which discouraged its use for medicinal purposes.

The UN vote on cannabis was to decide whether or not to remove the drug from this highly restrictive category. In a 27 to 25 vote, the United Nations has decided to reclassify the drug out of this category. 

The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) decided to hold the vote because of a series of recommendations put forth by the World Health Organization in 2019. These recommendations included removing cannabis and its derivatives from Schedule IV of the 1961 convention.

Additionally, it clarified that the non-intoxicating compound in cannabis, cannabidiol (CBD), should not be subject to international controls. 

Cannabis is now a part of schedule I, the next strictest level of control, which also lists cocaine. The WHO recommended it be on that list because of the “high rates of public health problems arising from cannabis use” [3]. 

Read: Seniors Choosing Cannabis over Opioids for Pain More Than Ever – 3 Possible Reasons Why

A “Diplomatic Circus”

The United States and the United Kingdom were among the countries who voted for the change. Ecuador also supported the recommendations, and called for “a regulatory framework that guarantees good practices, quality, innovation and research development” [3]. 

Russia, China, Pakistan, and Nigeria, however, were among the countries who were against the move. Chile also argued against reclassification, stating:

“There is a direct relationship between the use of cannabis and increased chances of suffering from depression, cognitive deficit, anxiety, psychotic symptoms, among others” [3].

Kenzi Riboulet-Zemouli is an independent researcher for drug policy. He has followed the votes closely and monitored the positions of the member states. He is calling the UN vote on cannabis a “diplomatic circus”, citing that a number of countries who initially opposed the change switched their position. Despite this, he considers the vote a success.

“This is a huge, historic victory for us, we couldn’t hope for more,” Riboulet-Semouli said [4].

It is worth noting that more than fifty countries have already put medicinal cannabis programs in place. Other areas, including Canada, Uruguay, and fifteen states have already made recreational use of the drug legal. Mexico and Luxembourg are close behind [5].

Read: Canada Will Let Terminally Ill Patients Use Psychedelic Mushrooms For End-Of-Life Care

UN Vote on Cannabis: A Catalyst for Change

A group of drug reform NGOs released a joint statement following the UN vote on cannabis, expressing their support for the changes.

“This is welcome news for the millions of people who use cannabis for therapeutic purposes, and reflects the reality of the growing market for cannabis-based medicinal products,” they said [5].

Anna Fordham is the executive director of the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC). She says that recognition of cannabis as a medicine is “long overdue”. The hope is that this vote could act as a catalyst for more countries to legalize the drug for medicinal use.

She also argued that the original 1961 classification was rooted in colonial prejudice and racism.

“It disregarded the rights and traditions of communities that have been growing and using cannabis for medicinal, therapeutic, religious and cultural purposes for centuries, and has led to millions being criminalised and incarcerated across the globe,” she explained [5].

Dirk Heitepriem is a vice president at Canopy Growth, a Canadian cannabis company. He is calling the UN vote on cannabis “a big step forward”. His hope is that this will empower other countries to create frameworks in which patients in need can get access to treatment [4].

Read: Cannabis shows promise blocking coronavirus infection, claims Canadian researcher

The Future of Cannabis

Many people in the industry are hoping that the UN vote on cannabis will open up more opportunities for research into the drug’s therapeutic properties. It is, however, the money-making potential of the drug that is pushing the issue forward in many countries. 

According to investment and financial services company, Cowen, experts expect the market for both medicinal and recreational marijuana to be worth more than 34 billion dollars by 2025.

That being said, the UN vote on cannabis will likely have the largest impact on nations with more conservative policies. This vote does not necessarily mean that countries around the world are going to start legalizing cannabis. The hope, however, is that it is a starting point for change.

Keep Reading: France to Start Distributing Free Medical Cannabis in 2021

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