As an important European country like Germany paves the way for cannabis legalization, the UN body warned on Thursday that the policy increases youth consumption, does not reduce the illegal market or crime, and is generally detrimental to public health.
In recent years, Uruguay, Canada, Malta and 19 United States of America have approved recreational use of cannabisa global trend that is on the rise despite being banned by international drug treaties.
In response to this situation, the International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), the UN body that enforces the international drug conventions, in its latest report published today in Vienna, demonstrates its concern about the dangers it sees in legalization.
The use of cannabis, the most popular drug in the world, used by about 209 million people, is only allowed in treaties for medical and scientific research, and by no means for recreational purposes.
The INCB, which defines itself as a “quasi-judicial” body of 13 experts, has in the past been criticized by some NGOs for its conservative approach to the issue, as it is the custodian of the current drug control treaties.
million dollar business
The council argues that behind the current international tide in favor of legalization is the lobbying of an industry that moves tens of billions of dollars a year.
“ hemp industryfully sells products to attract young people, which is of great concern, as well as how the harm associated with the use of potent cannabis is minimized,” warns INCB President Indian Jagjit. Pavadia.
In the US, according to INCB, the legal sale of products derivatives Cannabis is one of the fastest growing industries and generated around $25,000 million in 2021, up 43% from the previous year.
The Council’s report notes that “the most worrying consequence of cannabis legalization is the likelihood that increase consumptionespecially among young people.
In the United States, INCB believes that it has been proven that teens and young people consume much more cannabis in states that have legalized it than in other territories where it remains illegal.
The average consumption among the population over 12 years old in the United States, where cannabis was legal, according to 2020 data was 24.55%, and in territories where its sale was illegal – 16.46%.
At the same time, it provides accessibility marijuana legally reduces the perception of risks associated with its consumption.
“New products such as products or vaporizers sold in flashy packaging have reinforced this trend. The INCB believes that this has contributed to the downplaying of public opinion about the effects of cannabis use, especially among young people,” the Board concludes.
When Uruguay It is noted that this is the most restrictive model for regulating the sale of cannabis. However, the report generally does not provide a detailed analysis of the growth in cannabis use in countries that have legalized its use, and in many cases is limited to displaying data without clarification or contextualization.
Pavadia admitted to reporters that there were big problems due to the lack of data, but he felt the existing research clearly supported the INCB’s concerns about cannabis legalization.
harmful drug
Experts say that in all places where cannabis has been legalized, the growth health problems associated with its consumption.
Between 2000 and 2018, global cannabis-related medical revenue increased eightfold, while psychotic disorders for this drug also quadrupled.
The INCB warns that cannabis use is particularly harmful to young people and can negatively affect their academic performance and social behaviour.
Another piece of information provided in the report is that in Colorado, one of the US states where consumption was legalized in 2012, road accidents From 2013 to 2020, the death toll of drivers under the influence of cannabis almost doubled.
Finally, the INCB believes that another goal for which it advocated legalization has not been achieved: reducing the illicit economy and crime.
He illegal market cannabis, according to INCB, continues to be at a high level in all places where it has been legalized, and is 40% in Canada, almost 50% in Uruguay and reaches 75% in the US state of California.
“The data show that the legalization of cannabis did not deter young people from using cannabis, but illegal markets‘, states the Board.
Finally, the INCB requests further study of the effects of cannabis use on individuals and its impact on society before making long-term decisions.