WHO Acknowledges Cannabis's Therapeutic Potential, Considers Reclassification by 2018
The WHO recognizes cannabis's therapeutic benefits and may reclassify it by 2018, marking a potential shift in global drug policy
Key Points
- 1WHO acknowledges cannabis's therapeutic potential
- 2Reclassification of cannabis considered for 2018
- 3Preliminary report shows medical benefits for various conditions
- 4WHO maintains 2018 timeline for comprehensive review
- 5Potential global impact on drug policy and public health
The World Health Organization (WHO) has taken a significant step by recognizing the therapeutic potential of cannabis, with plans to possibly reclassify it by 2018. This decision follows the 38th meeting of the WHO's Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, held on November 30, 2016. This marks a pivotal moment, as the organization had previously denied the medical benefits of cannabis for over eight decades
The move towards reclassification is a result of increasing pressure from international bodies, including the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC), which has urged the WHO to reconsider its stance on drug classifications. The IDPC, in line with the Commission Nationale Consultative des Droits de l'Homme, argues that drug classification should be based on scientific evidence rather than political motivations. The WHO is tasked with classifying drugs based on their medical value and potential for abuse
Currently, cannabis is classified under Schedule I, indicating a high potential for abuse with no recognized medical use. However, the WHO's preliminary report highlights proven medical benefits of cannabis in treating conditions such as cancer, post-traumatic stress disorder, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and epilepsy. The organization has validated these findings and plans to deepen research into cannabis's therapeutic uses
Despite the growing evidence supporting cannabis's medical benefits, the WHO has declined requests for an emergency meeting on drug policy. Instead, it maintains its timeline for a comprehensive review, with a final report expected in 2018. This decision underscores the organization's commitment to a thorough and evidence-based evaluation process
Looking forward, the potential reclassification of cannabis could have significant implications for global drug policy and public health. It could pave the way for increased research and development of cannabis-based therapies, as well as impact legal frameworks and regulatory approaches worldwide. The WHO's acknowledgment of cannabis's medical potential marks a critical shift in the global perspective on this historically controversial plant