INCB reacts to Uruguay's approval of law regulating cannabis markets

On 11th December 2013, the International Narcotics Control Board issued a press release on the cannabis legislation approved by Uruguay's Congress the evening before. The press release is available below.

Uruguay is breaking the International Conventions on Drug Control with the Cannabis Legislation approved by its Congress

VIENNA, 11 December 2013 (UN Information Service) – The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) regrets that the legislation to legalize production, sale and consumption of cannabis for nonmedical purposes approved yesterday in Uruguay contravenes the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, to which Uruguay is a party.

The President of the INCB, Raymond Yans said he was “surprised that a legislative body that has endorsed an international law and agreements, and a Government that is an active partner in international cooperation and in the maintenance of the international rule of law, knowingly decided to break the universally agreed and internationally endorsed legal provisions of the treaty”.

Mr. Yans also recalled that “the main aim of the 1961 Single Convention is to protect the health and welfare of humankind. Cannabis is controlled under the 1961 Convention, which requires States Parties to limit its use to medical and scientific purposes, due to its dependence-producing potential.”

According to the President, “the decision of the Uruguayan legislature fails to consider its negative impacts on health since scientific studies confirm that cannabis is an addictive substance with serious consequences for people’s health. In particular, the use and abuse of cannabis by young people can seriously affect their development.”

Read the PDF below for the full statement.

Keep up-to-date with drug policy developments by subscribing to the IDPC Monthly Alert.