As a formally constituted organisation of the UN, the CND meets annually for a period not exceeding eight days. The Commission comprises 53 UN member States, elected by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Its functions are assigned to it by the drug control conventions. These provisions authorise the CND to consider all matters related to the objectives of the Conventions and to oversee their implementation. As a treaty organ under the 1961, 1971 and 1988 Conventions, on the basis of recom¬mendations by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the INCB, the Commission decides the regulatory measures to be taken on narcotic and psychotropic drugs and precursor chemicals. The body therefore plays a pivotal role in all international drug policy making. The Commission relies on the UNODC for administrative and technical support.

At the end of May 2009, the membership of the CND was as follows::
Argentina    2011
Australia    2013
Austria    2011
Belarus    2013
Belgium    2013
Bolivia (Plurinational State of)    2013
Botswana    2011
Brazil    2013
Cameroon    2011
Canada    2013
Chile    2013
China    2011
Colombia    2013
Côte d’Ivoire    2013
Cuba    2011
Czech Republic    2011
Democratic Republic of Congo    2011
El Salvador    2011
Ethiopia    2011
Finland    2011
France    2013
Germany    2011
Ghana   2013
India    2013
Iran (Islamic Republic of) 2011
Israel    2011
 Italy    2011
Kazakhstan    2011
Lao People’s Democratic Republic    2013
Lithuania    2011
Moldova    2011
Morocco    2011
Myanmar    2013
Netherlands    2011
Pakistan    2011
Peru    2011
Romania    2013
Russian Federation    2013
Saudi Arabia    2013
Sierra Leone    2013
Spain    2011
Sudan    2011
Swaziland    2013
Switzerland    2011
Thailand    2011
Trinidad and Tobago    2011
Uganda    2011
United Arab Emirates    2011
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland    2013
United States of America    2011
Uruguay    2011
Venezuela    2011
Yemen      2011