181 NGOs from 56 countries call for cannabis transparency

Around 181 Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) from 56 countries are calling for INCB extension (International Narcotics Control Board) to assume transparency and accountability in defining the new 'Cannabis Guidelines'. NGOs fear an increase in restrictions on upcoming proposals. Portugal is not represented in this list of organizations.

on the first anniversary of historic vote on cannabis at the UN, on 2 December last year, serious concerns were raised about how cannabis policy has been developing internationally, following the reclassification of cannabis.

The INCB is creating documentation within the substance control system to facilitate the trade and research of medical cannabis around the world, but the global proposals and the writing process itself appear to contradict last year's vote, favoring an increase in restrictions.

The INCB guidelines will guide government regulations and impact the lives of many patients, farmers, doctors and health officials around the world.

“Our organizations are committed to global health, human rights and sustainability. We recognize the importance of the INCB in helping governments ensure access to and availability of controlled medicines for all patients in need, but the INCB alone cannot shape the economic, social, environmental and cultural future of our communities. Press release.

The 181 non-profit organizations from around the world sent two letters, one addressed to the President of the INCB, Jagjit Pavadia, and another to inform the UN Secretary General, António Guterres, about the situation. The letters explain how NGOs, civil society stakeholders, intend to help the INCB face the challenges of the cannabis world, compiling proposals inspired by successful UN working methods.

The NGOs' suggestions can be summarized in six recommendations:

• Disclose the INCB documentation with other similar UN bodies;
• Subscribe to the UN's online documentation access and file system;
• Extend civil society consultations to all areas of the Council's work;
• Solicit and collect written contributions from non-state actors;
• Allow NGOs and non-state actors to participate as observers in INCB meetings;
• Expand “country visits”, inspired by the Annual Review Mechanism of human rights treaty bodies.

INCB does not reveal data on cannabis
Last year, the UN removed cannabis from the narrower treaty table of the 1961 drug convention, six decades after its implementation, recognizing the medicinal plant's therapeutic value, no longer considering it "harmful and particularly susceptible to abuse." The vote followed an independent scientific assessment by the World Health Organization, which analyzed evidence and testimonials from various stakeholders from all corners of the world.

On the other hand, since 2020, the INCB has developed its guidelines in secrecy, raising questions about the legitimacy and purpose of the process, a confusing mandate and risks of conflicts of interest. While not mandatory, the guidelines will impact regulations on the cultivation, trade, production and use of a traditional herbal medicine and a plant native to many regions of the world. Furthermore, there is a risk of them becoming a standard, especially for countries with less capacity to establish their own regulations.

“INCB has far exceeded its limited mandate and mission. Even the UN Security Council, historically one of Organs most secretive bodies of the UN, has been more open, transparent and participatory than the INCB”, said Kenzi Riboulet-Zemouli, one of the promoters of the initiative.

“As a patient, I know how critical a wide variety of cannabis medications can be. It's a much-needed pain treatment, with the promise of mitigating opiate addiction at a key moment in history. The INCB has a mandate to support access to medicines and not fight against herbal medicines, in favor of isolated or artificial molecule preparations”, warned Michael Krawitz.

However, Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, responded to the 181 NGOs’ open letter, saying that “civil society must be heard and must have the space to express its opinion.”

The INCB Cannabis Initiative can be accompanied here.