{"id":352166,"date":"2023-10-20T12:43:35","date_gmt":"2023-10-20T17:43:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/the-single-convention-on-narcotic-drugs.html"},"modified":"2023-10-20T12:43:35","modified_gmt":"2023-10-20T17:43:35","slug":"the-single-convention-on-narcotic-drugs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/the-single-convention-on-narcotic-drugs.html","title":{"rendered":"The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Lyle Therese A. Hilotin-Lee, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Rhonda Earhart, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs unified international drug control efforts by requiring member nations to regulate drug use, trade, and production primarily for medical and scientific purposes. While over 180 countries have joined the treaty, national implementation varies.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

In 1961, the United Nations adopted the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (CND)<\/a>. The convention aims to curb drug trafficking and drug abuse through cooperation by various nations. Its goal was to unify drug control treaties into one comprehensive rule on drug use, trade, and production provisions. All participating countries should adjust or establish their national laws to conform to these requirements asked by the convention.<\/p>\n

Still, some individual member nations (including the United States) aren’t always consistent with the CND’s rules. For instance, many U.S. states allow medical and even recreational use and possession of drugs like cannabis. Despite inconsistencies, the convention remains a cornerstone of global drug policy.<\/p>\n

Below, learn more about the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, including the basics of the treaty and how they apply to member nations. If you are facing any type of drug charge, legal help is available. Contact a criminal defense attorney<\/a> in your area to understand your rights and options under the law.<\/p>\n

Historical Background of the Single Convention<\/h2>\n

In 1912, the first international drug control treaty was The International Opium Convention<\/a>.  The treaties worked to prevent legal drugs from crossing into illegal markets.<\/p>\n

But, decades later, the provisions in the International Opium Convention became obsolete. So, they adopted a new Convention in New York on March 25, 1961, The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs. This Convention combined the existing treaties and detailed the enforcement system for that purpose.<\/p>\n

Understanding the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs<\/h2>\n

The convention<\/a> aims to fight drug use through coordinated intervention of participating nations. The convention seeks to limit activities such as:<\/p>\n