The United Nations allows cannabis as a medicine, not a drug

27 countries including India support the move

New York (USA) – The United Nations Drug Enforcement Administration has removed cannabis from its list of dangerous drugs following a recommendation from the World Health Organisation. In a vote, 27 countries, including India, voted to remove cannabis from the list of dangerous drugs, while 25 countries, including China, Pakistan and Russia, voted against it. ‘The vote paves the way for a verification of the medicinal and therapeutic potential of cannabis’,” the United Nations said in a statement. Currently, more than 50 countries have legalized cannabis, recognising its medical significance. Cannabis has been approved for medical purposes in 15 States in Canada, Uruguay and the United States.

A United Nations commission voted to remove marijuana for medical use from a list of the world’s most dangerous drugs, like heroin. The decision is a symbolic win for advocates of drug policy change. https://t.co/4bzuUMeVzu

— The New York Times (@nytimes) December 2, 2020