WHO’s first scientific review of medicinal Cannabis: from global struggle to patient implications

Abstract

Background “Cannabis” and “cannabis resin” are derived from the Cannabis plant, used as herbal medications, in traditional medicine and as active pharmaceutical ingredients. Since 1961, they have been listed in Schedule IV, the most restrictive category of the single convention on narcotic drugs. The process to scientifically review and reschedule them was launched by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on 2 December 2016; it survived a number of hindrances until finally being submitted to a delayed and sui generis vote by the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs on 2 December 2020, withdrawing “cannabis” and “cannabis resin” from Schedule IV. Design/methodology/approach To evaluate WHO’s scheduling recommendations, the process leading to the Commission vote and subsequent implications at global, national and patient/clinician levels. Narrative account of the four-year proceedings; review of the practical implications of both rejected and accepted recommendations. Findings The process was historically unprecedented, of political relevance to both medical Cannabis and evidence-based scheduling generally. Procedural barriers hampered the appropriate involvement of civil society stakeholders. The landscape resulting from accepted and rejected recommendations allow countries to continue creating decentralised, non-uniform systems for access to and availability of “cannabis” and “cannabis resin” for medical purposes. Originality/value Perspective of accredited observers; highlight of institutional issues and the lay of the land; contrast of stakeholders’ interpretations and engagement.

Cannabis: a multifaceted plant with endless potentials

“…Using the right amount of Cannabis is important for both medical and recreational purposes. In 2021, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNDOC) removed Cannabis from Schedule IV, but it remains on the Schedule I list due to insufficient data on its effects ( Riboulet-Zemouli and Krawitz, 2022 ). For instance, reports have linked Cannabis use to the growth of tumors, including in children whose mothers’ used marijuana during pregnancy.…”

Medical Use, Decriminalization, and Legalization of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances—What Does It Mean and What Is Its Current Status in India?

“…India also voted against the resolution that would have put the preparations containing predominantly CBD and not >0.2% of delta-9-THC out of international control. 19…”

“…India also voted against the resolution that would have put the preparations containing predominantly CBD and not >0.2% of delta-9-THC out of international control. 19 Also, further simplification and streamlining of the procurement, transportation, storage, and use of the narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances (including END) are needed to facilitate their use across the country. While the existing regulatory framework allows the use of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, currently there are few registered clinical trials on the medical use of cannabis (as listed above) and no clinical trials on the medical use of THC.…”

Investigation on the gastrointestinal properties of ethanolic extract of Cannabis sativa through in vivo and in vitro approaches

“…The World Health Organization recommended that Cannabis should be removed from the list of the most "dangerous drugs", thus unlocking the therapeutic benefits of C. sativa. Following this recommendation, several countries have chosen to legalize the therapeutic use of C. sativa (2).…”