Format
Guide
Published by / Citation
World Health Organization
Original Language

English

Partner Organisation
WHO
For
Students
Trainers
Themes
Supply Control
Keywords
Drug Control
public health

Substance Control Ecosystem

Submitted by Luciana Bruno -
Substance Control Ecosystem - Page photo

Psychoactive substances are regulated under three key United Nations conventions, agreed by Member States to safeguard public health and prevent illegal drug production:

  • 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs – focused on substances such as cannabis, cocaine and opium.

  • 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances – introduced controls on newer psychoactive drugs, including amphetamine-type stimulants (e.g. MDMA), barbiturates, benzodiazepines and hallucinogens like LSD.

  • 1988 Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances – targeted the trafficking and misuse of chemical precursors, also addressing money laundering and strengthening international cooperation.

Together, these conventions create a global framework to limit drug use to medical and scientific purposes, while curbing diversion into illicit markets.

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