By Bunmi Yekini
The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has placed five new psychoactive substances and one medicine under international control following recommendations by the World Health Organization (WHO). The move aims to curb the growing public health risks posed by synthetic opioids and other harmful substances.
The decision, announced at the 68th regular session of the Commission in Vienna, Austria, aligns with WHO’s expert analysis of emerging drugs. Dr. Deus Mubangizi, WHO Director for Health Product Policy and Standards, highlighted the dangers of these substances, stating they are “clandestinely manufactured, posing serious risks to public health and society without any recognized therapeutic use.”
Highly Potent Synthetic Opioids Banned
Four synthetic opioids have been placed in Schedule I of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), meaning they are considered to have no medical use and pose a high risk of harm:
- N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene (protonitazepyne) – Found in falsified opioid tablets and linked to multiple deaths.
- N-Pyrrolidino metonitazene (metonitazepyne) – A beige powder with a high risk of fatal overdoses.
- Etonitazepipne (N-piperidinyl etonitazene) – Identified in various drug samples and associated with severe health complications.
- N-Desethyl isotonitazene (norisotonitazene) – Found in falsified pharmaceuticals, with confirmed deaths and hospital admissions.
Cannabinoid and Muscle Relaxant Also Controlled
Two other substances were placed under international regulation:
- Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) – A semi-synthetic cannabinoid added to Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971) due to its widespread misuse in products like THC-infused resins, e-liquids, and edibles.
- Carisoprodol – A muscle relaxant now listed in Schedule IV of the same convention after evidence showed its nonmedical use poses significant public health risks.
Increased Vigilance Against Emerging Drugs
The WHO has been advising the UN on drug policy for over 70 years, conducting scientific reviews of psychoactive substances. With the continued emergence of synthetic opioids like fentanyl and nitazenes, Member States have called for more rigorous assessments to prevent further health crises.
The new scheduling decisions are expected to guide national policies and enhance global efforts to combat drug misuse, particularly among vulnerable groups, including young people.