A little history
At the end of last century with the expansion of trade and communications, drug use, which hitherto affected only small communities, began to spread. The passage of drugs from one country to another including the manner of his use, was still a growing problem. Since the consumption of these consequences brought not only the health of people but also affecting the development of communities.
Thus in 1909, thirteen nations of the world gathered in Shanghai and formed a committee, then in 1912 signed the first drug control treaty known as the International Opium Convention of The Hague. ”
Thereafter, a series of Conventions (1920, 1925, 1931, 1936) until in 1946 the Organization of the United Nations assumed responsibility, becoming the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, a body subordinate to it.
Shortly after the end of World War II were synthesized many compounds whose effects produced dependency. These substances were placed under international control.
The United Nations then writes “The 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs”, by which States Parties undertake specific obligations to limit drug production plant only the amount needed for medical and scientific purposes.
Also the requirement for exports and imports have been specifically authorized by the government authorities.
It also included provisions relating to control of drug manufacture and trade and distribution of narcotic substances.
The Single Convention explicitly prohibits the practice of smoking or taking opium, coca chewing, smoking hashish and cannabis plant used for nonmedical purposes. It also obliges States Parties to take measures in case of particularly dangerous drugs like heroin and ketobemidona.
This Convention as a universal instrument has been widely accepted and subsequently strengthened by Protocols, Conventions, Declarations, Strategies, Plans, International Conferences, etc.., Thus adding to lists of substances capable of being controlled psychotropic substances such as amphetamines , hypnotics, sedatives and hallucinogens. Contains special provisions concerning the misuse of these substances, which aims to ensure the early identification, treatment, education, aftercare, rehabilitation and social reintegration of those affected. Other items, among other topics, try to control the illicit and penalties.
Schedules annexed to the Single Convention
The necessary control measures were grouped into four separate lists. These lists are annexed to the Convention and the Parties are bound by its restrictions.
Listed in Schedule 1 substances that are completely prohibited, except for scientific and very limited medical, managed by persons authorized expressly approved by governments.
Schedules 2, 3 and 4 provide that each government has to implement specific control measures and other measures deemed appropriate to limit medical and scientific purposes the manufacture, export, import, storage, distribution , trade, use and possession. The substances listed in these Schedules can be exported or imported, manufactured or distributed only by permits issued by governments. The therapeutic effects of these substances can be used when doctors issue prescriptions subject to the appropriate medical standards and practices.
It mandated the World Health Organization (WHO), the function of determining, on medical grounds, if a new substance should be included in a Schedule, in accordance with the following criteria:
The substance must have the ability to produce a state of dependence and should stimulate or depress the central nervous system, causing hallucinations or disturbances in motor function, the trial of behavior, perception or mood;
The abuse of the substance must produce harmful effects similar to those caused by a substance already listed in a Schedule.
After considering other factors, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs decided whether or not to include the substance in the schedules.
The current United Nations is composed of 185 States Parties or member countries represented by diplomats, scientists and experts in the respective nations.
For America Organization of American States includes, within their programs of action the subject of drugs to treat the joint policies of each of its member countries, it is the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD).
Tags: drug use, Drugs, illegal drugs, passage of drugs
