UNODC report: The challenge of new psychoactive substances

In response to a request from last year's session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, UNODC has prepared a technical report on the challenges presented by new psychoactive substances (NPS). These substances, sometimes referred to as 'legal highs', are multiplying in numbers and becoming more widespread geographically, causing great concern as officials struggle to contain them.

The report defines NPS as "substances of abuse, either in a pure form or a preparation, that are not controlled by the 1961 Convention on Narcotic Drugs or the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, but which may pose a public health threat". In this context, the term 'new' does not necessarily refer to new inventions but to substances that have recently become available.

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