World Health Organization Removes Cannabidiol from Proscribed “Drugs” List

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The debate over whether cannabidiol should still be on the drug list has reached a new stage. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.), in its latest general review, has removed this substance from the ‘drug’ category.

The W.H.O. document released late last month recognizes that there are no reported cases of abuse or dependence of the substance known as CBD, and that it does not represent a danger to public health.

The committee producing the report states that, based on past studies, cannabdiol has no psychoactive features. This creates new potential for the substance to be used in other types of studies and research.

Among the most relevant files considered, a study was presented in which several subjects randomly received a dose of cannabis, different indicators were measured in subjects and these did not show major changes in psychoactivity or intoxication symptoms.

Subsequently, in a randomized trial, recreational cannabis users were invited to test some effects of Cannabidiol on their own. It was found that cannabidiol had no psychoactive, cardiovascular or other effects.

The W.H.O. has specified that cannabidiol is not addictive; however, this does not mean that cannabis and marijuana are no longer classified as a drug by international health organizations. The W.H.O. report only provides results for one element of cannabis: Cannabidiol.

The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), which is part of the United Nations (UN) Economic and Social Council, is the body tasked with modifying, reviewing and periodically updating the list of banned substances. This is done under the recommendations of the World Health Organizationm which in turn is advised by the Committee of Experts on Drug Addiction.

In March, the vote was planned to reduce restrictions on scientific research and medicinal use in several parts of the world. The main reason for this deferral is due to the need to clarify the implications and consequences of this decision, considering its complexity.

It is noteworthy that cannabis has provided research data since the 1960s and has had several prevailing restrictions that preclude its potential benefit to millions of patients.

Source: DOL