Skip to main content Skip to search Skip to main navigation

UN: Cannabis removed from Schedule IV of most dangerous drugs

As announced by the UN Commission on 2 December 2020, cannabis was removed from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs following WHO's recommendation.

The 53 members of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), the UN's central body for drug policy decisions, voted conceivably close with 27 in favor, 25 against and one abstention. Cannabis was placed in Schedule IV for 59 years, along with heroin and carfentanil. Schedule IV substances are considered "particularly harmful and of extremely limited medical or therapeutic value". Now cannabis has been moved to Schedule I, where methadone and cocaine are listed, as well. However, its use for non-medical and non-scientific purposes is still illegal.  

Background  

The WHO had already submitted six recommendations on cannabis and related substances in January 2019. However, many countries asked for more time to deal with the matter.   

Current status  

Currently, more than 50 countries have adopted programs on medical cannabis. Canada, Uruguay and 15 US states have legalized its recreational use. In Mexico and Luxembourg this is already discussed. 


Source:

UN: UN commission reclassifies cannabis, yet still considered harmful 

Meet the GMP Compliance Adviser

The GMP Compliance Adviser is the world's largest knowledge portal for quality management in the pharma business. 

The demo access is non-binding and ends automatically.

Test it now for free

You may also be Interested in the Following Articles:

EMA: New Q&A on Product Lifecycle Management (PLCM)

EMA: New Q&A on Product Lifecycle Management (PLCM)

The EMA has published new Questions & Answers on the use of the Product Lifecycle Management (PLCM) document, clarifying its role within the EU variations framework for post-approval quality changes.
Read more
EMA: New Q&A for Co-Processed Excipients

EMA: New Q&A for Co-Processed Excipients

The EMA has published new Questions & Answers on co-processed excipients (CoPEs) used in solid oral dosage forms, introducing a harmonised, risk-based regulatory approach applicable to human and veterinary medicines.

Read more
What is the Data Lifecycle?

What is the Data Lifecycle?

Here's the answer:
Read more
GMP Regulations Report 2025

GMP Regulations Report 2025

What do the regulatory developments mean for your professional environment? Which requirements have a direct impact on your day-to-day work, and where is there an urgent need for action? Our GMP Regulations Report 2025 provides a clear structure, practical explanations, and the most important regulatory developments of 2025 – concise, well-organized, and relevant.
Read more
EU: Parliament Approves Regulation Proposal on Critical Medicines

EU: Parliament Approves Regulation Proposal on Critical Medicines

The European Parliament has approved regulatory measures aimed at strengthening the availability and supply of critical medicines in the EU.
Read more
What is a gas?

What is a gas?

You can view the answer here:
Read more
Previous
Next