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SINGAPORE: Singapore said on Thursday (December 3) that it was disappointed with the United Nations decision to remove cannabis from the most strictly controlled category of narcotics.
During the annual UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), member states voted 27 to 25 with one abstention in favor of Recommendation 5.1, which states that cannabis and cannabis resin should be removed from Annex IV of the 1961 Convention , a global text that governs drug controls.
READ: UN drug agency loosens global controls on cannabis, following WHO advice
“Singapore is disappointed with this result,” said the Home Office (MHA). “There is no strong evidence to support the recommendations, including Recommendation 5.1.”
The vote followed a recommendation from the World Health Organization (WHO) last year that “cannabis and cannabis resin should be programmed at a level of control that prevents harm caused by cannabis use while at the same time , does not act as a barrier to access and research and development of cannabis-related preparations for medical use. “
Other drugs on Schedule IV include heroin, fentanyl analogs, and other opioids that are dangerous and often deadly.
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“Acceptance of Recommendation 5.1 could send an incorrect signal that the CND has softened its stance against cannabis and fuel the public misperception, especially among young people, that cannabis is no longer considered as harmful as it used to be, to even though there is strong evidence to the contrary, “MHA said.
The ministry stressed that the measure will not affect Singapore’s zero tolerance stance towards drugs. International drug control conventions allow countries the flexibility to adopt stricter national control measures than those required by the conventions.
The Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Umej Bhatia, delivered Singapore’s national statement at the CND session, reiterating the country’s firm position on the matter, MHA said.
“RIGHT TO LIVE IN A DRUG FREE ENVIRONMENT”
Everyone should have the right to live in a drug-free environment, MHA said. “Illicit drugs, including cannabis, are harmful, addictive and destroy lives, families and communities.”
READ: ‘Novel Methods’ Being Used to Smuggle Drugs Into Singapore Amid COVID-19 Restrictions: CNB
Singapore has strict drug laws against the trafficking, possession, use, and import or export of illegal drugs, including cannabis, “which we believe will better protect Singaporeans,” MHA said.
These measures have worked well and have kept the local drug situation under control “despite the significant deterioration of the global and regional environment.”
At the same time, controlled access to treatment options such as cannabinoids for medical purposes will continue to be allowed, he added.
Singapore is not a voting member of the CND, but is a signatory to the international drug control conventions. The CND is the main drug policy-making body of the UN and is made up of 53 member states.
SINGAPORE DID NOT SUPPORT WHO RECOMMENDATIONS: MHA
Singapore did not support the six recommendations made last year by the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence, the MHA said.
“The scientific evidence presented on the safety and efficacy of cannabis for medical purposes was neither adequate nor robust,” the ministry said.
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There was also no “compelling justification” that the proposed reprogramming is necessary to reduce barriers to access to cannabis and cannabis-related substances for medical and scientific purposes.
“The current international drug control system already provides adequate access to these substances for these purposes.
“Some of the recommendations, if accepted, would cause gaps in the implementation of control measures and undermine the integrity of the international drug control regime,” the MHA said.
The CND did not endorse other WHO recommendations, such as removing “cannabis extracts and tinctures” from Annex I.
Program I is the next strictest level of control, which includes cocaine.
