WHO recognizes the usefulness of cannabis in medicine

On November 30, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) recognized certain therapeutic effects of cannabis. The WHO could reclassify cannabis by 2018 if medical research on cannabinoids and their derivatives proves conclusive. 

The 38th meeting from Expert Committee on Drug Dependence A World Health Organization report dated November 30, 2016, could mark a turning point in the history of cannabis. For more than 80 years, the WHO had refused to recognize the medical effects of cannabis.

The UNGASS will have served some purpose

Following the United Nations Special Assembly on the «War on Drugs,» the '»International Drug Policy Consortium" (IDPC) has asked WHO experts to work on reclassifying drugs. Four experts and the British organization «Drugscience» have been appointed to conduct a study on cannabis. The IDPC shares the view of our National Consultative Commission on Human Rightse: «The classification of substances […] has an impact on people’s lives, public health, and human rights, and should not be the result of arbitrary or politically motivated actions. » Since 1961, this agency has been tasked with classifying drugs based on their medical benefits and the risks associated with their recreational use.

Currently, marijuana is classified as Schedule I as defined by the WHO. »In 2018, cannabis could be considered a substance whose abuse poses a minor risk to public health but which has promising therapeutic effects." .

The preliminary report issued by the experts cites proven medical benefits in cases of cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, chronic pain, and epilepsy. The WHO endorses the report and supports further research into the therapeutic use of cannabis. The World Health Organization acknowledges the rise in the therapeutic use of medical cannabinoids and authorizes the establishment of laboratories specializing in the use of cannabinoids, subject to increased oversight to prevent misuse.

Although experts and drug policy advocates are calling for a new emergency meeting on drugs, the WHO has rejected this proposal and is sticking to the original date set for 2018. The full report will also be made available to the public on that date.