Scientist analyzing cannabis plant

The WHO will remove cannabis from drug classification

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The WHO will reclassify cannabis and stop considering it a narcotic

After conducting multiple experiments that finalized in November 2018, experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) concluded in a report that would “remove cannabis and cannabis oil from Schedule IV,” the most strictly controlled category in the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961.

Scientist holding cannabis plant in hand
Courtesy: Reuters/Chris Wattie

This convention classifies certain substances as “harmful and with limited medical benefits.” Moreover, cannabis was considered a dangerous narcotic without any therapeutic importance.

The Hemp & Cannabis Fair in California / The WHO to remove cannabis from drug classification
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This is totally false since the therapeutic benefits of the plant are many and have already been proven. Hence, to treat pain and other medical conditions such as epilepsy. Thus, the United Nations requested an urgent review of the cannabis ban.

Scientist observing the cannabis plant with a magnifying glass/ The WHO will remove cannabis from drug classification
Courtesy: The Grower

In their last statement, they eliminated the substance from said category, as the document acknowledges that there are no reported cases of abuse or dependence to the substance. Thus, it poses no danger to public health. In other words, cannabis is not addictive.

Taking cannabis off this classification will allow us to find new breakthroughs regarding its benefits

Among the most relevant experiments is a study where several participants were randomly given a dose of cannabis. Different indicators were measured revealing changes in symptoms of psychoactivity or poisoning. The people who took THC showed anxiety, relaxation, and hallucinations.

The WHO will remove cannabis from drug classification
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In addition, recreational cannabis users were invited to try some effects of cannabidiol on their own. And the conclusion was that cannabidiol did not produce psychoactive, cardiovascular, or other effects.

Cannabis-based drugs
Courtesy: Archive

It should be noted that these conclusions are supported by the Commission on Narcotic Drugs, which is part of the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations, the entity responsible for amending, reviewing, and updating the list of prohibited substances. This is done by recommendations from the WHO, who in turn is advised by the Committee of Experts on Pharmacodependence.

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Cortesía: Medical Cannabis News

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This post is also available in: Español (Spanish)