WHO responses to 4th CND Intersessional on cannabis recommendations - 27 June 2019

Overview

In the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, cannabis and cannabis resin are described, respectively, as the flowering or fruiting tops of the cannabis plant (excluding the seeds and leaves when not accompanied by the tops) from which the resin has not been extracted and as the separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from the cannabis plant. Reference to cannabis below will be taken to also include cannabis resin. Of the many compounds in cannabis, delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9 -THC) is the principal psychoactive constituent of cannabis, while cannabidiol (CBD) is also present but is not psychoactive.

Following consumption of cannabis, the adverse effects experienced include dizziness and impairment of motor control and cognitive function. As a result of the effects on movement and cognition, cannabis use can impair driving. There are particular risks of cannabis use reported for children, such as respiratory depression, tachycardia and coma. The adverse effects of cannabis consumption are similar to those produced by Δ9 -THC alone.