Marijuana Legalization Contravenes International Laws: UN Body’s Perspective on Germany’s Cannabis Reform and U.S. Psychedelics Movement

Introduction

The global landscape of cannabis and psychedelic drug policy is rapidly changing. Countries like Germany are pushing for cannabis reform, while in the United States, there is a growing movement to decriminalize psychedelics. However, these national efforts are in direct conflict with international drug control treaties, as pointed out by the United Nations’ International Narcotics Control Board (INCB). This article explores the tension between national drug policy reforms and international law, focusing on the perspectives of the UN body.

Germany’s Cannabis Reform

Germany, Europe’s largest economy, has been making strides towards cannabis reform. In 2017, the country legalized medical marijuana, and there are now growing calls for the decriminalization and regulation of recreational cannabis use. Advocates argue that this would reduce harm, protect public health, and generate tax revenue.

However, the INCB has expressed concern over Germany’s cannabis reform. The UN body argues that the legalization of cannabis for non-medical and non-scientific purposes contravenes the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, to which Germany is a signatory. This international treaty obliges countries to limit the production, manufacture, export, import, distribution of, trade in, use and possession of drugs exclusively to medical and scientific purposes.

U.S. Psychedelics Movement

Meanwhile, in the United States, there is a growing movement to decriminalize psychedelics. Several cities and states have already decriminalized or deprioritized enforcement of laws against psychedelics, and there is a push for federal reform. Advocates argue that psychedelics have therapeutic potential and that individuals should have the right to cognitive liberty.

However, the INCB has also expressed concern over the U.S. psychedelics movement. The UN body argues that the decriminalization of psychedelics contravenes the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, to which the U.S. is a signatory. This international treaty obliges countries to limit the use of psychotropic substances to medical and scientific purposes.

Conflict Between National Reforms and International Law

The push for cannabis reform in Germany and the psychedelics movement in the U.S. highlight the growing tension between national drug policy reforms and international law. While countries have the sovereign right to determine their own drug policies, they are also obliged to adhere to international drug control treaties.

Some argue that these treaties are outdated and do not reflect current scientific understanding or societal attitudes towards drugs. Others argue that these treaties play a crucial role in preventing the non-medical use of drugs and protecting public health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the push for cannabis reform in Germany and the psychedelics movement in the U.S. are in direct conflict with international drug control treaties. The INCB, the UN body tasked with monitoring the implementation of these treaties, has expressed concern over these national efforts. This highlights the need for a global dialogue on drug policy reform that takes into account both national interests and international obligations.

By C.N.W

Keywords:

Marijuana Legalization, International Laws, UN Body, Germany’s Cannabis Reform, U.S. Psychedelics Movement, INCB, Drug Policy

Sources:

International Narcotics Control Board. (2020). Report of the International Narcotics Control Board for 2020. United Nations.

Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, 1961. United Nations.

Convention on Psychotropic Substances, 1971. United Nations.