March 14, 2025 –The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) has decided to place five new psychoactive substances and one medicine under international control on the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations.
The WHO Expert Committee on Drug Dependence (ECDD), a global body of experts, conducted thorough scientific reviews of these substances, analyzing their health risks and potential benefits. The findings revealed that these substances, often clandestinely manufactured, pose serious risks to public health and society without any recognized therapeutic use.
Four synthetic opioids have been added to Schedule I of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs (1961), as amended by the 1972 Protocol. These include:
- N-Pyrrolidino protonitazene (protonitazepyne): A beige or white powder linked to falsified pharmaceutical tablets. It can be smoked, snorted, or injected and has been associated with severe harm, including death.
- N-Pyrrolidino metonitazene (metonitazepyne): A beige powder typically injected, with evidence of causing substantial harm and fatalities.
- Etonitazepipne (N-piperidinyl etonitazene): A yellowish-white powder or crystalline solid linked to severe health risks, including death.
- N-Desethyl isotonitazene (norisotonitazene): A crystalline solid found in falsified pharmaceuticals, associated with multiple deaths and hospital admissions worldwide.
These synthetic opioids, part of the nitazene family, have no known medical use and are increasingly being detected in counterfeit drugs, contributing to a growing public health crisis.
In addition, Hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), a semi-synthetic cannabinoid, has been placed in Schedule II of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971). HHC is found in products like THC-infused cannabis flowers, e-liquids, edibles, and dietary supplements. Its increasing use has raised significant public health concerns, prompting its inclusion under international control.
Carisoprodol: A Muscle Relaxant with Rising Abuse Potential
Carisoprodol, a skeletal muscle relaxant, has been added to Schedule IV of the Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971). While available as a legitimate pharmaceutical product, its nonmedical use has been linked to significant public health risks in several countries.
WHO’s ECDD role
For over 70 years, the WHO’s ECDD has served as a scientific advisory body, ensuring that harmful substances are controlled while maintaining access to psychoactive substances for medical and scientific purposes. The recent decisions were announced at the 68th regular session of the CND, held in Vienna from March 10-14, 2025.
Dr. Deus Mubangizi, WHO Director for Health Product Policy and Standards, emphasized the importance of these measures: “We are pleased that the Commission has accepted WHO’s recommendations. These substances pose serious risks, and we urge countries to increase vigilance and take necessary actions to protect vulnerable groups, especially youth.”
With the ongoing emergence of harmful substances like synthetic opioids and cannabinoids, WHO member states have called for more scientific reviews to address this evolving threat. The inclusion of these six substances under international control marks a critical step in global efforts to combat drug abuse and protect public health.
