Cannabis No Longer Listed as One of the Most Dangerous Drugs
By Jonathan Blecher on December 7, 2020
Medical Cannabis Is Making History
The World Health Organization proposed 6 recommendations on international regulations of different parts and uses of cannabis, and out of all the recommendations, reclassifying cannabis was a primary concern for the United Nations Commission for Narcotic Drugs (CND). As such, the Commission voted on December 2nd to remove medical cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
The outcome? The CND voted 27-25 to reclassify cannabis and cannabis resin for medical purposes as a Schedule I substance, marking a significant victory for both medical cannabis users and cannabis industries around the world. For background, Schedule IV drugs are deemed the most dangerous drugs in the world, listing controlled substances like heroin, cocaine, and opium. As a result of the historic CND vote, however, medical cannabis and cannabis resin are no longer on that list.
The reclassification could have far-reaching impacts. Leaders across the globe may be more inclined to permit access to certain medical cannabis products for patients in need of treatment. In addition, global access to medical cannabis may increase, although it ultimately depends on each country’s laws. Nonetheless, the CND’s vote sets a notable example for countless countries to follow.
Impacts of CND Vote on the US
It’s important to know that the CND only voted to reclassify cannabis and its derivates for medical purposes, not recreational weed, hemp, and its derivates, nor CBD added to food, topicals, and dietary supplements. While CBD medicinal products qualified for voting because they can contain up to 0.2% THC, the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed that these products be excluded from CND’s scope, asserting that “preparations containing predominantly cannabidiol (CBD) and not more than 0.2 percent of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol are not under international control.”
Therefore, hemp and CBD industries in the US are mostly unaffected by the CND’s vote, as the US delegate rejected the CBD proposal on “legal and procedural grounds.”
What Does This Mean for You?
While the United Nations made progressive leaps in recognizing the medicinal benefits of cannabis, which are backed by scientific evidence, we must not forget that many states in the US have already recognized such benefits and legalized medical marijuana as a result. Florida is one of them.
Thus, the CND’s vote may not affect Americans as much as it would for millions of people around the world, specifically, medical patients suffering from health issues such as:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- Nausea
- Seizures
- Epilepsy
- Eating disorders
- Crohn’s diseases
- Multiple sclerosis
- Pain
Remember, only qualified medical marijuana patients can possess medicinal cannabis in Florida. With this in mind, I encourage you to contact me if you are facing Miami DUI charges or drug charges involving marijuana. I have handled thousands of cases over the past 40 years, establishing my proven track record for success. As such, wait no longer to discuss your situation with me and call 305-321-3237 today!
