International cannabis policy has undergone major transformations over the last decade, shaped largely by United Nations drug treaties, global health reviews, and national reforms. While cannabis remains controlled under several international conventions, recent developments have challenged long-standing classifications and opened new pathways for medical research and regulated markets. This page provides a neutral, research-based summary of the major treaties, scheduling updates, and global shifts between 2020 and 2025.
The UN Drug Control Framework
Three international treaties govern cannabis:
1.1 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961)
The cornerstone agreement regulating cannabis globally.
It originally classified “cannabis” and “cannabis resin” in Schedule I and Schedule IV, categories reserved for substances considered dangerous and without medical value.
[Source: UN Treaty Collection]
1.2 Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971)
Regulates THC and related psychoactive compounds.
Δ9-THC was placed in Schedule I, while some derivatives and analogues were later interpreted under national schedules.
[Source: UNODC 1971 Convention]
1.3 UN Convention Against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs (1988)
Focuses on trafficking, money laundering, and cross-border enforcement.
This treaty reinforces the requirement that treaty members criminalize unauthorized cannabis activities.
[Source: UNODC 1988 Convention]
WHO Review & the 2020 CND Vote
Between 2018 and 2020, the World Health Organization completed an unprecedented scientific review of cannabis and cannabis-derived substances.
2.1 Key WHO recommendations
• Remove cannabis and resin from Schedule IV
• Clarify distinctions between CBD preparations and psychoactive THC
• Update entries for extracts and tinctures
[Source: WHO ECDD Review (2018–2020)]
2.2 December 2, 2020 — The Historic Vote
The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND):
Voted to remove cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV
Chose not to adopt proposed changes to extracts, tinctures, or CBD wording
This decision acknowledged global medical use trends while keeping cannabis under Schedule I and subject to strict international control.
[Source: UN CND Voting Record, 2020]
How Countries Interpret the Treaties Differently
Although treaties create a global framework, they leave room for interpretation.
3.1 Medical cannabis frameworks
Countries such as Germany, Australia, Israel, and Thailand allow medical cannabis programs under strict compliance, arguing that the treaties do not prohibit medical use.
[Source: National Health Ministries]
3.2 Recreational legalization
Uruguay (2013), Canada (2018), Malta (2021), and regions like several U.S. states have legalized recreational use — technically conflicting with treaty obligations.
Most justify this through constitutional protections, human-rights frameworks, or reinterpretation of treaty language.
[Source: Government policy papers / legal commentaries]
3.3 Industrial hemp exceptions
Most nations allow industrial hemp cultivation under THC thresholds (usually 0.2–1%).
Treaties are interpreted as not targeting industrial hemp due to low psychoactivity.
[Source: FAO, EU hemp regulations]
2020–2025 Global Policy Shifts
4.1 Medical expansion
More than 40 countries strengthened or launched medical cannabis regulations during this period, driven by patient demand and emerging clinical research.
[Source: OECD reports]
4.2 Rescheduling & Decriminalization
Countries including Luxembourg, Switzerland, South Africa, Thailand, and Colombia implemented decriminalization, trial programs, or regulatory reforms.
4.3 CBD & low-THC products
CBD regulations diversified globally. Some nations classify CBD as a controlled substance if THC traces are present, while others permit over-the-counter sales.
International Trade Considerations
5.1 Import/export rules
International trade in medical cannabis is permitted under tight requirements, including:
• Export permits
• Medical-use declarations
• Compliance with GMP standards
[Source: INCB Import/Export Guidelines]
5.2 Pharmaceutical-grade standards
Countries require Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP/GACP) certification for cross-border shipments, reflecting pharmaceutical-level controls.
Future Outlook
Global cannabis governance continues to evolve.
With more states adopting medical and adult-use frameworks, pressure is growing for the UN to modernize its classifications. At the same time, scientific research and public health data remain central to future reforms.
Conclusion
International cannabis law is increasingly complex, shaped by evolving medical evidence, national policies, and reinterpretations of long-standing UN treaties. This page serves as a factual baseline for researchers, policymakers, and readers seeking a balanced, well-sourced overview of global developments from 2020 to 2025.
