Medical Marijuana in Oregon: Regulation in a Direct Democracy State

Direct Democracy, or pure democracy exists where citizens write policy initiatives themselves. If activist groups collect enough signatures in the allotted time, the initiative makes it to the ballot. If voters approve the initiative, it becomes law. In representative democracy States, citizens vote for representatives who then write and implement policy based on the best interests of the citizens of that State. Currently, in the United States, California, Oregon, Colorado, Michigan, Arizona, North Dakota and Montana are direct democracy States and have been able to establish Cannabis regulation through direct voter initiatives. Oregon allows for all six forms of direct democracy. Let's examine what activist and special interest groups had to do to enact Cannabis Regulation in this State.

Oregon started its path to Cannabis regulation in 1973 becoming the first State to decriminalize Cannabis with The Oregon Decriminalization Bill abolishing criminal penalties for possessing small amounts of Cannabis. Possession of less than an ounce of Cannabis became punishable as a misdemeanor with a $500 to $1000 fine. Private use of Cannabis and public intoxication were no longer punishable offenses, however, public use and driving under the influence were punishable and continue to be to this day.

In 1998, The Oregon Medical Marijuana Act, established by Ballot Measure 67 was enacted allowing citizens with one or more of the listed qualifying conditions with a doctor's recommendation to obtain a State issued Medical Marijuana Card. This allowed the Patient possession of 1.5 pounds of Cannabis at any given time and the ability to grow 18 immature plants and 6 mature plants without the fear of citation, arrest or penalty. Patients could choose a caregiver to grow for them if they were unable and those caregivers would enjoy the same protections as the Patient. Before dispensaries were established, Patients had to grow their own or rely on a network of caregivers to produce medicine for them. Oregon became the second State in the US to enact a system of safe access for Medical Cannabis Patients following California Prop 215.

It wasn't easy to push this initiative through the legislative process through to implementation. First, activists had to write the initiative and gather signatures in the statutory time frame. After the vote, they had to ensure the Legislators followed through to implement the program and ensure law enforcement wasn't targeting Medical Patients in the program illegally.

Oregon is a direct democracy State allowing for a law to be citizen enacted by initiating a State Statute where special interest groups collect a certain amount of signatures for placement on the voter ballot. The first step in this process is providing the technical language for the law. In Oregon, the Ballot Measure 67 was authored by a small town member of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Rick Bayer, MD, Geoff Sugerman, a lobbyist for medical Cannabis Growers, activist John Sajo, attorney Leland Burger, ACLU Oregon executive director Dave Fidanque, and David Smigelski of advocacy group Oregonians for Medical Rights. The language in the law provided qualifying Medical Patients arrest and other protections from prosecution, created a patient registry, defined the Patient / Caregiver relationship and possession limits.

The second step in the process is collecting signatures. The Campaign for Ballot Measure 67 was run and managed by the Sugerman Group, co-petitioner Geoff Sugerman. By February of 1998, the group was established and solicits George Soros, Chairman of Soros Fund Management for money to hire signature gatherers to begin collecting the 73,000 signatures needed. George, partnering with Ethan Nadelmann of Drug Policy Alliance with contributions from individual donors paid for political ads and payroll for signature gatherers.

The Ballot Measure Campaign already had an audience through several well established media outlets. Paul Stanford of THCF Clinics, Madeline Martinez of the World Famous Cannabis Cafe and Director of OR NORML with local patient advocacy groups were producing Hempstalk bringing thousands of registered voters together in the same space as signature gatherers. The main stage speakers and panels filled with experts in drug law reform, hemp production and cannabis science educated the voters, compelling them to add their signature to the measure.

Paul Stanford also produced a TV Show running weekly on cable access Portland called Cannabis Common Sense. Every Friday night Local Doctors, Campaign advocates and special guests would speak about the economic, scientific, environmental and medical benefits of both Cannabis and Agricultural Hemp. The general tone of the conversation with average voters had already shifted towards regulation.

All of these factors together contributed to a solid defense against opposition groups including Oregon Against Dangerous Drugs and The Christian Coalition. The loudest speaker in the group of opposing parties was Multnomah County Sheriff Dan Noelle. His talking points were centered around Marijuana as an illegal drug degrading the youth who would have access to it leading to lawlessness. Since this campaign, the Sheriff has switched his views on medical cannabis.

After the bill was passed, it took some time for the Oregon State Judicial Branch to conform to the conditions of the new law. At first, legitimate Patients continued to be targeted for prosecution. It took a concentrated effort from attorney Lee Berger accompanied by key witness, Dr. Rick Bayer and a small army of court supporters to stop the effort. Mr. Berger had to convince the defendants in these cases not to take the plea deal, but to exercise their right to a fair trial. One by one, these cases were acquitted when taken to trial.

Kyllo v United States was a Federal win for Oregon growers decided 4 years prior to the passing of the medical bill. The decision using thermal imaging, or FLIR devices outside the home does not show just cause for a search within the home under the Fourth Amendment set the stage for legal language in Oregon law.

Today's Oregon Cannabis market is the culmination of 20 years of implementations, where businesses have been allowed to establish themselves and enjoy the benefits of sustainable economic growth. This would not have been a possibility without a savvy new generation of key players. These attorneys, business associations and individuals remained in the State Government buildings the whole time, driving the conversation as their initiatives were being amended each legislative session. These individuals provide sustainable business support to those looking to invest in Oregon's burgeoning markets now through trade business conferences, with legal representation and other services available to ensure success.

The International Cannabis Business EXPO began as a forum for Oregon businesses as the Oregon Marijuana Business EXPO before expanding into an international conference series, produced by Alex Rogers and Dean Arbit. These conferences combine business planning, politics and culture to educate the average business investor giving a clear and tangible path to establishing and sustaining every level of Cannabis businesses.

Portland was blessed with husband and wife team, Anthony Johnson and Sarah Duff who have lead the way for cannabis law reform activists since moving there in 2004. They have co-authored initiatives, petitioned for dispensaries and remained active throughout implementation of both medical and recreational businesses. Working with attorneys like Rachal Kurt, Business Development Manager at the National Cannabis Industry Association to establish a legal framework for business structure and representation, Oregon has maintained strong industry standards.

As recreational markets are opening, Oregon is experiencing normal, but extreme market fluctuations with a 40% surplus of last harvest. Businesses face traditional and non traditional market risks including regulation deterrents, lack of Government Compliance Systems (seed to sale), the need to utilize hard money lending solutions due to Federal Banking Restrictions, the presence of a necessary black market and vertical integration restrictions. The World is watching to see how Oregon businesses continue to thrive, grow and fail for the purpose of structuring legislature and developing implementation strategies in their local communities.

The Future of CBD Oil after DEA and FDA Move to Enforce more Stringent Regulation

The United States Department of Health and Human services has owned the patent to use cannabinoids as nueroprotectants and antioxidants since October 2003. Scientists from the National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH), a smaller division of The National Institute of Health (NIH) applied for the patent 4 years prior for the purpose of awarding exclusive rights to create a new class of antioxidants significant for the role cannabinoids serve as nueroprotectants. 

Patent #6,630,507 excludesTetrahydrocannabidiol (THC) as a qualifying cannabinoid citing the medicinal benefits of Cannabidiol (CBD) with no psychotropic effects allowing patients to ingest high doses with "no toxicity or side effects."  It is important to consider this patent when analyzing recent actions taken by the FDA and DEA with regards to clarifying CBD Oil extracts being introduced in emerging medical and recreational markets.  

The two Federal Regulatory agencies working to regulate Hemp and Marijuana are the Food and Drug Agency (FDA) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The purpose of the FDA is to promote public health by regulating food, dietary supplements,  over the counter medications not prescribed by a doctor and vaccines among others. The purpose of the DEA is to classify and enforce laws for substances considered to have a potential for abuse,  medical or pharmaceutical benefit or pose risk to the general public in accordance with the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. Both agencies are extensions of the US Department of Health and Human Services.  

Agricultural Hemp Foods and Extracts containing only trace amounts of THC are regulated by the FDA after a concerted effort on the part of the Hemp Industries Association (HIA),  the Organic Consumers Association (OCA) and several Hemp food and body product companies who spent more than $200,000 fighting the DEA to exempt these products from definition in the Controlled Substances Act and won in 2004. Hemp CBD Oil was not an issue during this time as these products were marketed as food items and were not tested for the cannabinoid, only for THC.  Hemp producers wouldn't realize their products contained high amounts of CBD until many years later when analytical testing became available in emerging State regulated Medical Marijuana Markets.  

Currently Marijuana is considered a Schedule 1 substance in the DEA's Drug Diversion Program considered harmful to society and highly addictive with no medicinal benefit in spite of scientific research depicting the opposite.  Extracts from the marijuana plant, like Charlottes Web falls under the regulation of the DEA. The Controlled Substance Act of 1970 defines Marijuana as, "all parts of the plant Cannabis Sativa L., whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; and every compound,  manufacture,  salt, derivative,  mixture,  or preparation of such plant, its seeds or resin. Such term does not include the mature stalks of such plant,  fiber produced from such stalks, oil or cake made from the seeds of such plant,  any other compound,  manufacture,  salt,  derivative,  mixture or preparation of such mature stalks (except the resin extracted therefrom), fiber, oil, cake, or the sterilized seed of such a plant which is incapable of germination." Resins and oils from the Marijuana plant had always been included in the definition of Marijuana in the Drug Diversion Program if they were derived from the flowers of a mature plant.   

In 2017 the DEA created a new drug code for Marijuana extracts to better comply with the United Nations Convention on Narcotic Drugs enacted in 1961. Drug Code 7350 Marihuana Extract defines oil extracts as such: "Meaning an extract containing one or more of the cannabinoids that has been from derived from any plant of the genus Cannabis, other than the separated resin (whether crude or purified) obtained from the plant." This new drug code goes into effect January 13, 2018. The intent behind this action is for the DEA to better track extracts derived from the Marijuana plant,  however,  this same action caused confusion and misunderstanding with leaders in both medical marijuana and agricultural hemp communities. 

Back in 2004, the technical act achieved by HIA allowing for Agricultural Hemp Foods and body products to be sold in stores was exempting Agricultural Hemp Products with only trace amounts of THC from the definition of Marijuana in the Controlled Substance Act. That was before Hemp Processors understood their products contain high levels of CBD and therefore could be used as medicine just like oils and resins extracted from the Marijuana plant.  Very quickly, CBD Hemp Oils began flooding National Markets with online sales and appeared on the shelves of several health food stores claiming the oil helps alleviate medical problems,  not just provide nutritional benefits.  

This began the concerted effort on the parts of both agencies to quickly clarify. As the DEA's new drug code goes into effect,  the FDA is sending warning letters to online distributors of CBD Hemp Oil Companies who claim their products are medicinal for the nueroprotectant and antioxidant qualities of the CBD's contained.  Meanwhile,  the DEA issued a clarifying statement ensuring Hemp food and body products are still exempt from inclusion in the definition of Marijuana in the Controlled Substance Act. 

One such letter was sent to That's Natural! Marketing and Consulting in Pueblo, CO. Specific products referenced in the letter were CBD All Natural Hemp Oil, Bosom Lotion Potion and CBD Rich Healing Creme sold on the Company's website www.cbdoil.life. The letter informed the Company the aforementioned products are classified as a drug and not a dietary supplement according to the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetics Act because product claims on the website show intent for use in the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment or prevention of disease.  Referenced from the Company's Website, the FDA listed claims the products "kill cancer cells" and "provide a protective coating around our brain cells" among others as violations. The Company Website also made claims the products are anti-tumor, effective against MRSA (antibiotic- resistant bug), lowers blood sugar,  regulates blood pressure and heart rate and alleviates cancer related pain, among others.  The FDA gave the Company 15 days to respond to the letter with actions taken to correct violations. 

In spite of the DEA's actions to move CBD Oil into classification with Marijuana CBD Oil,  grocery stores and independent health food stores are pushing the conversation by stocking CBD Oil products on their shelves.  Kroger backed Lucky's Market announced plans in October 2017 to offer these products to their customers, the first National brand to do so.  Independent health food stores like Corner Store Apothocary in Grand Rapids, IA, know they are operating in a legal gray area,  but are willing to assume the risk.  Without clarification in the Federal Laws, these businesses are most certainly assuming great risk. 

In December of 2017, The United States Patent and Trademark Office revised its stance announcing patent and trademark applications involving CBD products would no longer be accepted and pending applications would be rejected based on the Office's Lawful Use Rule.  This rule applies after the DEA'S new drug code categorizes CBD Oil derived from the tops of flowering plants as a schedule 1 drug and therefore its use considered unlawful.  Prominent attorneys in the industry are advising their clients they can no longer expect protection from the trademark office,  at least not while the DEA's new drug code remains in place.  Theories on the purpose and status of patent #6,630,507 for the use of Cannabinoids as antioxidants and nueroprotectants owned by the US Department of Health and Human Services are speculative.  

The Hemp Industries Association (HIA), along with two other parties responded in January of 2017 moving to block implementation of the DEA's Drug Code filing a lawsuit in the 9th District Court questioning the legality of the code. Attorneys involved in the case claim products derived from Hemp lawfully under section 7606 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (farm bill) remain exempt from the definition of Marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act.

"The DEA's attempt to regulate hemp-derived products containing cannabinoids lawfully sourced under the CSA, and farmed and produced under the Farm Bill in States like Kentucky and Colorado,  is not only outside the scope of their power,  it's an attempt to rob us of hemp' s economic opportunity, " said Colleen Keahy,  executive director of HIA, in a statement.  Oral arguments in the case are scheduled to be heard in February of 2018. The DEA's Drug Code went into effect mid January,  2018. 

Attorneys, Activist Organizations and Industry Business Leaders make up the think tank around all of these issues. Course of action proposals vary greatly and often cause discourse in the grassroots movement to regulate Cannabis in all forms.  Most agree the fundamentals of the laws are intricately integrated in the language used to market products vs. the language in the law,  whether it's food or medicine.  Below are listed some of the more prominent theories.  

Rescheduling

Currently,  Marijuana is classified as a Schedule 1 substance, considered to have no medicinal value, a high potential for abuse and harmful to society along with heroin, LSD, ecstasy, methaqualone and peyote. Some believe placing Marijuana in a less stringent category would open the doors for research and development of Cannabinoids as medicine.  Opinions on which category Marijuana should be placed vary greatly in the community.  It is important to note the drugs falling into these categories must be obtained by a prescription from a doctor or are illegal under Federal Law. Anything outside of these schedules but still considered medicinal are regulated by the FDA as an over the counter drug.  

Schedule ll drugs have a high potential for abuse and are considered dangerous,  but also have applied medical applications.  Drugs in this category include Vicodin, Dilauded, oxycodone (Oxicotin), Fentanyl, Adderall and Ritalin, to name a few.  More illicit drugs in this category are cocaine and methamphetamine.  Most of the groups pushing for this category are connected to pharmaceutical companies with patents pending for use of cannabinoids as medicine.  Opposing groups believe this move will push out the small business farmer considered to be the very backbone of the medical cannabis movement.  

Schedule lll contains drugs with a moderate to low potential of abuse.  Drugs in this category include Tylenol with Codeine, steroids, testosterone, ketamine and anabolic steroids. 

Schedule lV drugs are considered to have a lower potential for abuse or risk of dependence than Schedule lll and include Xanax, Soma, Darvon, Valium and Ambien to name a few.  

Schedule V drugs have low potential for abuse,  but also contain limited amounts of narcotics and are generally used for antidiarrheal, antitusive and analgesic purposes like cough medicine with Codeine. Lyrica and Motofen are also included in this category.  

The conversation surrounding scheduling is controversial to say the least.  Some activists believe Schedule lll to be destructive to local medical cannabis markets and would like to see Marijuana fall into Schedule lV or V believing small farmers could exist in a competitive environment with pharmaceutical companies.  Many take the whole plant approach believing all of the cannabinoids in the plant work together to produce medicinal effects and isolating cannabinoids while adding terpenes back in makes the plant less effective.  They believe allowing patents for these procedures to be issued would also be devastating to everyone involved,  grower to patient. 

Descheduling

Removing Marijuana from the Controlled Substance Act, thereby descheduling it altogether is another proposal for Federal clarification.  These activists believe Marijuana to be a plant, not a drug and would like products derived from the plant to be considered a nuetracuetical.  Nuetracueticals are loosely regulated by the FDA which doesn't interfere in research and production,  however products must be labeled as not intended for medicinal use.  Nuetracueticals exist because there is currently no official definition in current law unlike Marijuana, defined by the Controlled Substance Act,  however as recent as January 2018, the FDA launched an effort to impose more stringent regulations for homeopathic products.  

Announcing a new "risk based enforcement approach" the FDA declared any and all homeopathic medicines currently on the market as being sold illegally and any drug which has not been considered "generally recognized as safe and effective" to be classified as a "new drug" and go through the FDA Approval Process. Products intended to be used for the prevention or treatment of serious life threatening illnesses were specifically listed, which makes CBD Oil as a target for enforcement.  

No matter where one falls on the spectrum of belief,  everyone having the conversation agrees action to counteract the US Department of Health and Human Services must be well thought out and presented as a United Front.  Attorneys and organizations are preparing themselves for an extensive, very expensive legal battle to protect well established businesses and communities.  Anyone inspired to join the conversation can find activist groups representing all aspects of the spectrum who desperately need time and financial support from volunteers and businesses. It's time to advance to conversation if the movement wants to maintain their voice in the legal and political battles ahead.  

Economic Impact Study: How Cannabis Saved The Emerald Triangle

It was two days before Christmas, 1964. Most of the United States were enjoying Holiday festivities and completing tasks on 

their last minute to do lists. The residents of Northern California and Southern Oregon were evacuating their homes threatened by record high flood waters in conditions meteorologists deemed "The Perfect Storm". The weather events effecting the Eel and Kalamath Rivers and all of their tributaries began December 14 when a cold front brought several feet of snow. Immediately after, a pineapple connection dropped more than 30 inches of rain in less than a week. In the end, the highest tide of the year coming in as the flooded rivers reached their peaks would cause the most destruction. 

Residents recall the sound of the violent waters as a deep and unsettling roar not unlike an earthquake. This was the sound of giant redwoods and rocks pounding down the mountains in what experts estimate as much 750,000 cubic feet of water pumping per second. Logging was the major industry in the area at the time. Loggers created log jams in front of mills to collect the trees just cut from the mountains. The rushing water and debris knocked most of these loose and these giant trees took out everything in its path. 

When the flood waters receded, most residents found all of their possessions to be destroyed or washed away. Debris from the event was later found to have traveled all the way to the shores of Japan's islands. The coastlines in California and Oregon were littered with personal items washed out to sea only to be returned with the shifting tides. Entire communities had been washed away. 

Very few residents decided to rebuild after this event. Most logging companies abandoned any effort to reestablish themselves, the damage having been to much a burden to bear. Clean up efforts were slow as most roadways were blocked with debris or damaged by flood waters. The area was devastated economically, the people damaged morally having lost everything. What is now lovingly referred to as the Emerald Triangle was nothing more than sad remnants of life once lived and ghosts. 

The Flood left something else people at the time did not see as valuable. Layers and layers of fertile river silt which would eventually provide the perfect conditions for growing cannabis. It turns out, the Eel River has one of the heaviest sediment loads, second only to the Yellow River in China. The sediment and low land prices would be contributing factors to the economic boom enjoyed by this region more than a decade later. 

Hippies and The Vietnam War

In January of 1969, Richard Nixon took office as United States President. The Vietnam War waged on with US Casualties exceeding those lost in the Korean War and a new movement opposing the war in the US gaining ground. This new movement of people believed in living communally in harmony with nature. They believed peace could be achieved through artistic experimentation and engaged in civil acts of disobedience in opposition to the war. 

Hippies were spreading awareness through music, producing the Woodstock Concert in August of 1969 and another concert in Alamont CA in December. Berkely CA housed the highest population of hippies at the time, but 1970 saw a waning in the popularity of the movement. After the National Guard opened fire on student protesters at Jackson State and Kent State Universities, Hippies became recluse searching for ways to live off the grid away from a society shunning them. 

Hippies were attracted to Humboldt and adjacent c
ounties because the forest was so dense and the population diminished after the flood. Land had been split by this time into 5 and 10 acre parcels and was very affordable. By 1970, the hippies from San Francisco's Haight Ashbury were migrating north in large numbers. Several communes were established in the area and still thrive there today. 

The first Hippies realized within a few years, communes were not profitable. By 1972, most communes were experiencing financial difficulties. Livelihood strategies included growing enough food for everyone living on the commune, profits from artistic endeavors and sporadic odd jobs. Up to this point, cannabis was just another plant in the garden offering communal residents enough for personal use. Eventually, with few other economic avenues to pursue, the hippies turned to a burgeoning, but illegal marijuana black market. Remote locations, very fertile soil and the ability to redirect water from river tributaries and mountain springs provided everything necessary for successful gardens. Local law enforcement, violence against hippies and backlash from local loggers made maintaining successful gardens very risky business. 

The War on Drugs

Growing Cannabis as a livelihood strategy in a zero tolerance county led by politicians simultaneously declaring a "War on Drugs" and tightening penalties and restrictions is not an easy endeavor. Police forces were being militarized, arming themselves with military grade weapons. These municipalities were using these weapons to raid communes with force and often, without probably cause. Police Search Helicopters littered the skies above these Cannabis Growers resulting in a healthy paranoia and sense of distrust.

Distrust was warranted. Cannabis Growers can loose their crop at any time during the cultivation process in any number of circumstances. Bad weather, such as floods or droughts can kill an entire crop. Farmers loose their crops to insects, deer and elk, law enforcement, thieves or circumstances beyond ones control. The cost of doing business is high before one sees a return on investment. Most of the money earned goes back into the next crop. 

The War on Drugs created a judicial system incapable of handling business disputes like normal businesses. Altercations were handled behind closed doors and with tight lips. Calling the police in the case of a home invasion was not an option, services were not made available to women in violent domestic situations. If the other party took off with product without paying for it, there was nothing to do about it. An army of police officers trained to believe the Marijuana Plant to be evil and those involved in the business no better than the violent drug cartels of Mexico were hell bent on eradicating the plant altogether and evicting the hippies from the area. These municipalities wreaked havoc on everyone, even residents not engaged in growing Cannabis.  

The penalties for growing, processing and distributing Cannabis were always high. Growers could face decades in Federal Prison and loose their property, assets, children and any money accumulating in the bank. Regardless of the risks,  Cannabis Farmers persisted and are now considered pioneers as States across the Nation have repealed prohibition by establishing new legislature for an industry growing at lightning speed.  It appears the Federal Government is not far behind recently considering rescheduling cannabis to a less restrictive category in the DEA's drug diversion program.  

Today,  when one travels through the Emerald Triangle,  signs of a burgeoning cannabis industry are everywhere. The grocery stores have elaborate displays of turkey bags in the front of the store all year.  Hair salons double as trim supply stores offering any pruning scissors currently available on the market next to aprons,  hand solutions and gallon containers of isopropyl. Every business in the area benefits from the cannabis industry from the restaurants to the thrift stores. 

The State of California is still trying to interpret voter approved initiatives allowing for medical Marijuana as new legislature is being introduced for adult recreational use. Growers well established in this area are ready for whatever the future has in store for them,  breeding organic, artisan strains one can only find growing amongst the giant redwoods. This region was saved by Cannabis and continues to enjoy the economic benefits of a healthy marijuana industry. These growers aren't going anywhere.
   

*The Emerald Triangle covers all of Trinity, Humboldt and Mendocino Counties.

Reference:

http://www.bidontravel.com/blog/canada-usa/arcata-ca-hippie-values-live/

http://www.geocurrents.info/place/north-america/northern-california/the-1970s-transformation-of-californias-north-coast

http://www.willitsnews.com/general-news/20160115/locals-collect-mendocinos-cannabis-history

https://humboldtherald.wordpress.com/2006/12/18/humboldt-trials-and-tribulations/

http://www.geocurrents.info/place/north-america/northern-california/the-hippie-migration-to-mendocino-and-the-establishment-of-a-cannabis-based-economy

The United Nations and Cannabis: Evolving Policy to meet increasing demands for Medical Marijuana Patients Globally

In 1961, Representatives from 185 Nation States convened and signed an International Treaty designed to control and regulate the production and use of several drugs (mainly Narcotics) considered to have scientific or medicinal value and prohibit the use of others considered addictive and harmful to society. The United Nations Convention on Narcotic Drugs has served as the basis for standardization of National drug control laws since. The United States enacted the Controlled Substances Act of 1970 to fulfill treaty obligations.

At the time the treaty was executed, two regulatory agencies were assigned to move specified narcotic drugs through the four stages of schedules, The Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) were commissioned to serve as administrators and compliance monitors. 

Countries Party to the UN Conventions: Green
Non Parties: Red
Treaties Do Not Apply: Gold

Inclusion of a controlled substance in the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs depends on its agreed placement in the scheduling system. Where a drug lands in the International Control Framework determines the type and intensity of controls. Currently Cannabis is scheduled as one of the most dangerous to society next to Heroin, Ecstasy, LSD, Benzodiazepines, GHB and Cocaine. Recent independent studies by the Global Commission on Drug Policy recommend Cannabis be moved to a low risk category.

Adjusting where Cannabis is scheduled in the International Framework is not complicated. The UN Conventions on Narcotic Drugs of 1961, amendments in 1971 and the Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1972 all contain provisional scheduling measures available to initiate in response to urgent problems.

Voter approved initiatives in the United States in Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Alaska and Washington DC establishing recreational markets moves outside conformity to the UN Drug Conventions because the nature of the documents limits use of controlled substances to medical and scientific purposes only. Advances in Medical Research and changes in Public Opinion creates an environment which necessitates immediate change. 

Congress moved to clarify the US Government's position on the UN Drug Convention in October 2014 when Bill Brownsfield, The Assistant Secretary of State for Drugs and Law Enforcement at a press conference clarified. He outlined to members of the media how US Policy is centered around four pillars of thought: 1) Respect the integrity of the UN Drug Conventions. 2) Accept flexible interpretation of UN Drug Conventions with regards to how Nation States have changed since 1961. The Conventions should be updated to reflect current culture. 3) Tolerance of differing perspectives and enforcement methods of each Nation State. 4) No matter the difference, each Nation State works to combat criminal organizations.

Yury Fedotov, Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes issued a statement expressing concerns new US laws are not compatible with current conventions. 

Congress responds in January 2015 when Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) call for the Obama Administration to address the disparity between US Policy and the boundaries necessary to conform to the standards laid out in the UN Drug Accord. Concerned about protecting the United State's long standing position as leader in the "War on Drugs", these Senators requested the Administration to account for remarks sending the message of tolerance for illegal drugs. (AKA Ogden Memos) The Senators also pointed out how recreational laws deviate from US commitments to confine production of cannabis to research and medical purposes only. Since the Senators letter to then Attorney General Eric Holder, was delivered, a new Attorney General has been assigned and the issue is still under review. 

Reforms are necessary as International Trade is already happening between Nation States. Jamaica is setting up small farmers to export cannabis products such as infused lotions and body oils to Countries like Canada already set up to import these goods. Canadian Company FLOR whose Shareholders are mostly Jamaicans living in Canada is currently laying the groundwork for developing a supply industry. In addition, A Bob Marley Brand of such products has been announced to be available late 2015.  Increasingly, Nation States are moving to regulate Cannabis use for both recreational and medical use. Countries like Germany, The Netherlands, Uruguay and Canada have established medical marijuana programs, while countries like Costa Rica are moving to establish similar programs through legislative action now. 

Recently, at a Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids Conference held in Prague, former deputy secretary of the INCB, Pavel Pachta told attendees the WHO would need to update their stance on Medical Marijuana to match current scientific findings soon. Many UN Representatives believing the current drug control system to be a failure are urging UN drug agencies to replace prohibition of Marijuana with legal regulation. Non Governmental Organizations working to reform International Drug Policy weighed in on the issue in a letter published through StopTheDrugWar.com. The letter represented more then 100 agencies and sited human rights violations as an immediate need for reform in global drug policy. 

Convention may shift April 2016, during the United Nations Special Sessions on World Drug Problems (UNGASS 2016) where members of the international community will present recommended amendments based on shifting trends in current Nation societies. Although some Nation States still wish to use corporal punishment including the death penalty for drug related charges, most nations are relaxing drug user laws, allocating resources to prosecute manufacturers and traffickers over users. Many of these Nations choose harm reduction policies meant to reduce incarceration over more stringent prison terms. Attendees expect contention between the Nations with hard line policies like Russia, China and more liberal countries like Uruguay and the US.

In March 2015, an International Coalition of Medical Cannabis Patients from 13 Countries led by Americans for Safe Access delivered a declaration urging the 2016 UN General Assembly Special Session on Drugs to either reschedule Cannabis to a less restrictive category or remove the plant from the schedule all together. Coalition member countries include Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Poland, Slovenia, Spain, United Kingdom, and United States.

"Current international policy makes it extremely difficult for many countries to establish laws that will meet the needs of their citizens," said IMCPC co-founder, ASA Executive Director, and longtime medical cannabis patient Steph Sherer. "The International Medical Cannabis Patient Coalition is uniting patient organizations as a common voice in the effort to change these policies."

Considering the International Commerce already being established for Cannabis, changes need to be made if Nation States are able to meet the needs of their Citizens. All eyes will be on the UN Special Committee in 2016. 

Research Links: 
1961 United Nations Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs Wiki
United Nations Drug Control: Scheduling in the International Drug Control System
U.S. states' pot legalization not in line with international law: U.N. agency
Bob Marley: The First Global Weed Brand
Jamaican Small Farmers included in the Medical Marijuana Industry
Canadian Company Taps into Jamaican Medical Marijuana Industry
Legality of Cannabis by Country Wiki
United Nations Convention on Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances
Huffington Post It's Time For The UN To Reform Its Global Drug Policies, Human Rights Groups Say
Groups from Thirteen Countries Form New "International Medical Cannabis Patient Coalition" to Reform UN Policy