New Psychoactive Substances Under Global Control

March 15, 2025

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) have recently agreed to place five new psychoactive substances and one existing medicine under international control. This decision comes after careful evaluation by the WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. The committee’s mission is to assess the health risks and benefits of psychoactive substances and recommend actions to protect public health.

Role of WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD)

Active for over 70 years, it is responsible for analyzing
Analyzes health risks and benefits of psychoactive substances.
Alerts for international control if substances harm public health.
Only official body giving health recommendations for drug policies to the CND.

Newly Controlled Substances

Substances in Schedule I of Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961):

N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene: Synthetic opioid, no medical use, fatal.
N-Pyrrolidino metonitazene: Synthetic opioid, no medical use, fatal.
Etonitazepipne: Synthetic opioid, no medical use, fatal.
N-Desethyl isotonitazene: Synthetic opioid, no medical use, linked to deaths.

Substance in Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971):

Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC): Semi-synthetic cannabinoid found in THC products, linked to health and social issues.

Substance in Schedule IV of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971):

Carisoprodol: Muscle relaxant with non-medical misuse causing public health risks.

Implications for Public Health

The decision to control these substances aims to protect vulnerable populations, particularly youth. Increased vigilance and community awareness are essential in combating the risks associated with these drugs. Countries are encouraged to strengthen their drug policies based on WHO recommendations to safeguard public health.

« Previous Post Next Post »