On 20-22 November 2017, the INCB sent a delegation to Switzerland to discuss its drug policy and the country's implementation of the UN drug conventions.

The INCB has continued its strong condemnation of extra-judicial killings in the Philippines - a positive example of its ongoing transition to a more progressive force.

Compared to men, women continue to be disproportionately affected by drug use and face obstacles in accessing treatment.

This was the first opportunity for the new INCB President to keep with the progressive direction of his predecessor.

The alert clarifies what requirements need to be met if a member state pursues a medical cannabis program, including a licensing system and the creation of a national cannabis agency.

Several countries, Egypt included, wish to tighten international control around tramadol, a synthetic opioid widely used for severe pain management. The INCB have declined to re-examine tramadol's status, but we must be vigilant in defending access to essential medicines.

The INCB has elected a new President, Viroj Sumyai. His predecessor, Werner Sipp, was by all accounts a progressive force. Will Sumyai continue in Sipp's vein?

Amongst others, two precursors of the synthetic hyper-potent opioid fentanyl were scheduled at the 60th Session of CND.

The INCB states that unnecessary suffering due to administrative or legal failings is a scandal and a failure of international drug control.