The Dangerous Drugs Board (DDB) said Saturday that “the changes in the scope of international drug control for cannabis only involve its medical use.’’
The DDB recognized the decision of the United Nations (UN) Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) to remove cannabis from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.
“Cultivation and recreational use of the substance is still prohibited as its abuse brings negative health and social impacts. This is also reinforced under the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 or Republic Act 9165,’’ the DDB said.
With 27 member-states voting in favor, 25 against, and one abstention, the resolution to reclassify cannabis was approved during the reconvened session of the CND, the DDB said.
With this development and as signatory to the International Drug Control Convention (IDCC), the DDB explained it has to review the resolution approved by the CND to determine the necessary actions to be made.
“This might include submission of proposed amendments of laws and policies to reflect the recommendations of the United Nations body,’’ it added.
The DDB said it will wait for the official transmittal of the CND resolution to determine what recommendations of the Technical Working Group from the World Health Organization (WHO) were adopted and study possible ramifications on our own…
