UN to Reconsider CBD and Hemp Status: Major Changes in Global Drug Policy Proposed by WHO
Author: Ondrej Stovicek
Member States of the UN Narcotic Drugs Commission have received recommendations from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the status of CBD and hemp. In March 2019, a critical meeting will take place where these organizations are expected to discuss potential changes to the classification of hemp under international law.
WHO’s Proposal on CBD and Hemp: Key Changes
The WHO has proposed significant adjustments to the classification of hemp and CBD:
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Reclassification of Hemp: Hemp would no longer be severely classified under the International Convention on Drugs. It would be removed from Schedule IV of the Convention on Drugs, which lists the most dangerous substances.
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Simplification of THC Classification: THC would be relocated from the 1971 Convention, aligning it with the classification of hemp. This change would simplify the regulatory framework.
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Exclusion of Low-THC CBD Products: Preparations containing CBD with less than 0.2% THC would not be subject to international drug control conventions.
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Pharmaceutical Preparations with THC: These would be placed in Schedule III of the 1961 Convention, recognizing their low potential for misuse.
Impact on Hemp and Hemp Products
Hemp and Hemp Resin
The proposal recommends that hemp and hemp resin (hashish) be removed from Schedule IV of the 1961 International Convention on Narcotic Drugs. Currently, Schedule IV is the most restrictive category, reserved for substances with extremely low or no therapeutic value. If the Commission follows this recommendation, hemp and hemp resin would remain under Schedule I, which is less restrictive.
The Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD) states:
"The evidence does not indicate that hemp and its resin pose similar risks as other substances in Schedule IV. Moreover, hemp preparations have shown therapeutic potential for treating pain, epilepsy, and spasticity related to multiple sclerosis. Therefore, while hemp should be controlled to prevent misuse, it should not hinder research and development for medical use."
Dronabinol and THC Isomers
The WHO recommends that dronabinol (delta-9-THC) and its isomers be removed from the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances and added to Schedule I of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. This move would align all forms of THC under the same category as hemp and hemp resin, simplifying the classification.
Hemp Extracts and Tinctures
The report also suggests removing hemp extracts and tinctures from Schedule I of the 1961 Convention. These products contain varying concentrations of delta-9-THC, with some being non-psychoactive and showing promising therapeutic benefits.
Preparations Containing CBD
The ECDD has critically reviewed pure CBD and recommended that it should not be included in the schedules of International Conventions on Drugs. However, there are concerns about CBD products that contain trace amounts of THC.
The report clarifies:
"Preparations containing predominantly cannabidiol and less than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol should not be subject to international control."
Pharmaceutical Preparations with THC and CBD
The Commission acknowledges the existence of two primary types of pharmaceuticals containing delta-9-THC:
- Combination Products: Such as Sativex, which contain both delta-9-THC and CBD.
- Delta-9-THC Only: Products like Marinol or Syndros, which contain only delta-9-THC as the active ingredient.
Given the lack of evidence linking these medications to misuse or addiction, the Commission recommends that they not be included in the restrictive schedules of either the 1961 or 1971 Conventions.