The United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) recently issued its 2017 annual report, and the takeaway with regard to cannabis is clear: The INCB is deeply concerned with the spread of adult-use legalization.
The report contains stern warnings, accusing countries like Uruguay of acting in “clear violation” of global drug control accords, according to Leafly.
The Board, which monitors compliance with international drug control treaties, is made up of individuals, not U.N. member states. That’s meant to protect it from political pressure. The Board’s charter also stipulates, however, that it must include individuals with “medical, pharmacological or pharmaceutical experience.”
That means Big Pharma is well represented, while advocates for cannabis legalization—whether medical or adult-use—have no seat at the table.