Patients in Vienna are demanding fair access to the medical use of cannabis

The IACM Patient Council is advocating for fair and equitable access to medical cannabis treatment at the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs this week. Together with other non-profit organizations, the Patient Council represents the rights of cannabis patients worldwide, who are striving for legal and fair access to the medical use of cannabis at the nine-day event in Vienna from March 14 to 22, 2024.

Franziska Quadri
March 13, 2024

First participation of cannabis patients in the CND

At the 67th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) in Vienna, the work of the international coalition of patients reached a significant milestone. This marks the first time that members of the Council have participated in the CND. Six representatives attended the meeting and delivered written and oral statements in the CND plenary session and negotiating forums to contribute to the debate and influence policy outcomes. The compelling statement, supported by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), critically examines existing guidelines on the medical use of cannabis. The appeal is clear: "It is time to rethink medical cannabis policy to promote access and adequate availability."

Respect for human rights is demanded

The IACM Patient Council statement emphasizes the urgency of ensuring that patients using medical cannabis receive the quality of life necessary for their health. The Commission is called upon to uphold human rights and eliminate discrimination. It also highlights that the victims of the "war on drugs" are often patients denied life-saving treatments, particularly medical cannabis. The lack of access to cannabis, for example for patients with uncontrollable epilepsy, is denounced as potentially life-threatening. Alternative therapies such as cannabis are often replaced by pharmaceutical drugs that are ineffective or even harmful for many patients. Read the full statement here.

Historic moment for cannabis activism

The international coalition of patients described this participation as a "historic moment for cannabis activism," as the presence of cannabis patients at high-level political events like this is necessary to advance fair and just legislation for sick people worldwide. The obstacles faced by those affected are often imposed and maintained by the contracts for which the CND is responsible. While over 20 member states of the European Union have now legalized cannabis for medical use in some form, access varies considerably from country to country.

The IACM Patient Council is committed to improving access to medical cannabis and protecting the human rights of all patients. MEDCAN is an active member of this international coalition.

UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs

The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) is a commission of the Association of Ten Nations responsible for developing and monitoring international drug control policy. Established in 1946 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria, the CND plays a central role in setting global strategies for the control of illicit drugs and psychotropic substances. Its main tasks include reviewing drug control measures, setting priorities and policy guidelines, and promoting international cooperation in the field of drug control. The Commission brings together governments, experts, and non-governmental organizations to make decisions that impact global drug policy, based on scientific evidence and policy considerations. The CND's work contributes to the implementation of international agreements such as the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances, and ensures that drug control policies address the evolving challenges posed by illicit drugs.