For information only - not an official document
UNIS/NAR/1181
31 October 2013
VIENNA, 31 October 2013 (UN Information Service) - The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) opens its 108 th session in Vienna today, and will remain in session until 15 November2013. Among topics to be discussed are approaches to address the problem of new psychoactive substances (NPS) and the recent legislative initiatives regarding the non-medical use of cannabis and the Board's ongoing dialogue with governments on this issue.
During his opening remarks, the President of the Board, Raymond Yans, reiterated concern about the initiatives adopted in the states of Washington and Colorado in the United States, as well as the legislative proposal in Uruguay, which could allow the "recreational use" of cannabis.
Actions to counteract the emerging problems associated with the use of new psychoactive substances and precursors falling outside of the scope of the international drug control system will also be part of the discussions.
INCB will continue its ongoing assessment of overall compliance with the provisions of the international drug control treaties, recent findings, developments and emerging issues. During the current session, INCB will finalize its Annual Report, the precursors report and technical publications on narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances for 2013. These reports will be published in March 2014, and will contain the Board's recommendations to Governments and international organizations for the improved implementation of the provisions of the three international drug control conventions.
Prior to the INCB plenary session, the Board's Standing Committee on Estimates met on 29 and 30 October to review the supply of and demand for narcotic drugs for medical and scientific purposes, as well as requirements for psychotropic substances and precursor chemicals for licit purposes. This work is conducted in line with the Board's mandate to ensure the availability of internationally controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes while preventing their diversion to illicit channels, and to monitor Governments' control over chemicals frequently used in the illicit manufacture of drugs.
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INCB is the independent, quasi-judicial body established by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961. INCB has 13 Board members who, by their expertise, competence, impartiality and disinterestedness, serve in a personal capacity in ensuring and promoting the implementation of the three international conventions - the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and the 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances - that constitute the international drug control system.
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For further information, please contact:
Raechelle
Newman
Drug Control Officer
INCB Secretariat
Telephone for media inquiries: (+43-1) 26060 5638
Email: secretariat[at]incb.org
Website: www.incb.org
