TAUP MUN STUDY GUIDE

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1 TAUP MUN STUDY GUIDE THE ALPHA URBANE PROJECT MODEL UNITED NATIONS 9 am to 5 pm - January 26 th & 27 th, 2019 DICE Ecosystem, One Indiabulls Centre, Lower Parel UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME UNODC AGENDA Legalization of Marijuana How To Go About Research? 1. Read up on the committee you ve been assigned: It is advisable to first fully understand the goals and objectives of your committee in order to have a more holistic approach to how you debate in committee. 2. Read up on the country you ve assigned: Understanding things like the state s foreign policy, political ties and socioeconomic status is vital to facilitate proper understanding of how the agenda at hand pertains to you. 3. Read up on your committees agenda: Delegates must understand how the problem at hand has affected/ continues to affect the world, and what impacts it has had on trade alliances/ economies etc. 4. Read the Study Guide provided: It is imperative that each delegate goes through the study guide, which will be a window to most things a delegate needs to know. 5. External Research: Although the study guide is a highly informative source, we encourage delegates to read up on the issue externally as well, from credible sources, to give them an upper hand during committee. Introduction to the Committee The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime is an agency of the United Nations that has as main objective the fight against drugs and the transnational organized crime. Established in 1997 through a merger between the United Nations Drug Control Programme and the Centre for International Crime Prevention, UNODC operates in all regions of the world through an extensive network of field offices with the purpose of fighting the increase of drug trafficking, drug production and for the rise of developed sophisticated crime organisations. In the Millennium Declaration, Member States also resolved to intensify efforts to fight transnational crime in all its dimensions, to redouble the efforts to implement the commitment to counter the world drug problem and to take concerted action against international terrorism. The UNODC, at AALMUN'17, consists of twenty-eight members of the United Nations including Arab Republic of Egypt, Canada, Commonwealth of Australia, Federative Republic of Brazil, Federative

2 Republic of Germany, Federative Republic of Nigeria, French Republic, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Islamic Republic of Iran, Italian Republic, Jamaica, Japan, Kingdom of Belgium, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kingdom of Spain, Netherlands, People's Republic of China, Republic of Colombia, Republic of Ghana, Republic of India, Republic of Turkey, Russian Federation, State of Israel, Swiss Confederation, Syrian Arab Republic, United Kingdom, United Mexican States and United States of America, each of which has one vote. Likewise, none of which hold the right to veto. Introduction to the Agenda Cannabis. A generic term used to denote the several psychoactive preparations of the cannabis plant. Cannabis is the preferred designation of the plant Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica and, of minor significance, Cannabis ruderalis (Gloss, 2015). Cannabis resin means separated resin, whether crude or purified, obtained from the cannabis plant. In this report the term cannabis will be used instead of marijuana or other names indigenous to local cultures. The discussion of the health and social consequences of cannabis use is limited to the nonmedical use of the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids: Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in cells that modulate neurotransmitter release in the brain. The composition, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of botanical cannabis differ from those of extracts of purified individual cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are basically derived from three sources: (a) phytocannabinoids are cannabinoid compounds produced by plants Cannabis sativa or Cannabis indica; (b) endocannabinoids are neurotransmitters produced in the brain or in peripheral tissues, and act on cannabinoid receptors; and (c) synthetic cannabinoids, synthesized in the laboratory, are structurally analogous to phytocannabinoids or endocannabinoids and act by similar biological mechanisms. Cannabinoids are sometimes used therapeutically (e.g. for management of spasticity in multiple sclerosis or nausea in the process of cancer chemotherapy). Discussion of the health impact of the illicit use of synthetic cannabinoids is beyond the scope of this document. Cannabis-use disorders: Cannabis-use disorders refer to a spectrum of clinically relevant conditions and are defined via psychological, social and physiological criteria to document adverse consequences, loss of control over use, and withdrawal symptoms. Cannabis-use disorders are defined in the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5; APA, 2013) and in the International statistical classification of diseases and related health problems (ICD-10; WHO, 1992). ICD-10 distinguishes between harmful and dependent use of cannabis, while in DSM-5 cannabis-use disorders are classified by the severity of health impairments into mild, moderate and severe disorders. Both classifications also describe a specific cannabis withdrawal syndrome which can occur within 24 hours of consumption. For cannabis withdrawal syndrome to be diagnosed, the person must report at least two mental symptoms (e.g. irritability, restlessness, anxiety, depression, aggressiveness, loss of appetite, sleep disturbances) and at least one physical symptom (e.g. pain, shivering, sweating, elevated body temperature, chills). These symptoms are most intense in the first week of abstinence but can persist for as long as a month (Hoch et al., 2015; Budney & Hughes, 2006) Topic Background Information The legalization of marijuana is a topic surrounded in controversy because of its connection with drug culture and the possible medical uses of the plant. To date, about ten nations have essentially or officially decriminalized cannabis for recreational purposes, while even more have allowed it for medical purposes. While many have decriminalized it, no nation has fully legalized marijuana. Medicinal marijuana is a multimillion-dollar industry worldwide, and though the majority of marijuana production is illegal, between 15,000 and 66,000 metric tons of cannabis were produced in 2009, making it the largest drug production in the world. Medically, the drug is legal in some countries and is used to combat cancer and other diseases. The use of marijuana provides many risks such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and anxiety. Young teens are found to be more perceptible to these when using marijuana. Usage and production has increased dramatically over the years and presents a danger to society. The widespread controversy is due to the argument of whether or not possession of the drug is harmful or helpful in which it presents a worldwide legal problem. The punishment imposed by nations for the

3 possession of marijuana varies widely between nations. In some countries, especially in Eastern Asia, a person caught with even small amounts of cannabis can be imprisoned for over ten years and even killed if it is proven that had the intention to sell the drugs. Meanwhile, in other parts of the world, such as parts of Western Europe and parts of the United States, there is little to no legal recourse for possession of small amounts of the drug for medicinal purposes and in some cases for recreational. Well known areas include the Netherlands and the state of Massachusetts, where possession of less than one gram of marijuana is punished with only a one hundred dollar fine. These instances of little punishment is an example of decriminalization of marijuana, as those caught are using the drug for personal recreation, not to sell or distribute. Total legalization of the drug would allow corporations and companies to grow, sell, and advertise marijuana and marijuana related products. If legalization were to take place in any nation, copious amounts of laws and regulations would need to be put in place because of the amount of criminal activity in the current marijuana production industry. These laws would most likely need UN assistance in placement and regulation. Past Actions The United Nations first became involved with marijuana when it placed it on a list of illegal drugs in 1948 in an effort in the war on drugs. A report released by the UN World Drug Report in 2010 stated that there is little drug trafficking involving marijuana and instead most marijuana is grown at a local level and distributed without traveling great distances. The UN Convention on Narcotic Drugs, held in 1961, created a treaty that outlawed the production and consumption of several drugs for any reason other than medical research. This convention grouped drugs by their destructiveness, placing marijuana on the same level as heroin and amphetamines. The World Health Organization has the power to suggest that the Commission on Narcotic Drugs remove marijuana from the list of illegal drugs or downgrade its status, though to this point, the Organization has not recommended that cannabis be reevaluated. Resolution A/RES/53/115 discusses the connections between international crime and the production of marijuana. The fact that these two topics are so closely related has been a major reason why little has been done within the UN regarding legalization or decriminalization of marijuana. The overall thought is that by condoning the use of marijuana, the international community will be condoning the actions and practices of the drug cartels and dealers that are the main suppliers of cannabis. There has been little if any acknowledgement of the practical or beneficial uses of marijuana for medicinal purposes by the United Nations, in part due to the fact that the UN does not want to validate or encourage the use of marijuana, no matter how strong the evidence of its medical benefits is. The topic of the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana is discussed in the United Nations frequently and is rarely productive in part because of nations own legal and moral standings, though there are many solutions that may be implemented in order to better the situation. Discussion on the Topic Cannabis preparations and mode of administration Cannabis preparations are usually obtained from the female Cannabis sativa plant. The plant contains at least 750 chemicals and some 104 different cannabinoids (Radwan et al., 2015; Izzo et al., 2009). The principal cannabinoids in the cannabis plant include delta-9tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN). THC is the primary psychoactive compound, with CBD, a nonpsychoactive compound, ranking as the second cannabinoid. Generally, THC is found at higher concentrations than CBD. The known chemical composition of Cannabis sativa is constantly changing. New noncannabinoid and cannabinoid constituents in the plant are discovered frequently. From 2005 to 2015, the number of cannabinoids identified in the whole plant increased from 70 to 104 and other known compounds in the plant increased from some 400 to around 650 (Izzo et al., 2009; ElSohly & Slade, 2005; Ahmed et al., 2008). The cannabinoid that is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects sought by cannabis users is THC (Gaoni & Mechoulam, 1964; Martin & Cone, 1999; Iversen, 2007). THC is found in a resin that covers the flowering tops and upper leaves of the female plant. Most of the other cannabinoids are either inactive or only weakly active, although some, such as CBD, may modify the psychoactive effects of THC

4 (Mechoulam & Hanus, 2012). The most common cannabis preparations are marijuana, hashish and hash oil. Marijuana is an herbal form of cannabis prepared from the dried flowering tops and leaves of the plant. Its potency depends on the growing conditions, the genetic characteristics of the plant, the ratio of THC to other cannabinoids, and the part of the plant that is used (Clarke & Watson, 2002). Cannabis plants may be grown to maximize their THC production by the sinsemilla method by which only female plants are grown together (Clarke & Watson, 2002). Cannabis is typically smoked as marijuana in a hand-rolled cigarette or joint, which may include tobacco to assist burning. A water pipe or bong is also a popular means of using all cannabis preparations (Hall & Degenhardt, 2009). Cannabis smokers typically inhale deeply and hold their breath to ensure maximum absorption of THC by the lungs. One increasingly popular way of administrating cannabis is the use of vaporizers. Lower temperature vaporization of cannabis has been postulated as safer than smoking, as it may deliver fewer components of high molecular weight than smoked cannabis (Bloor et al., 2008). Whether vaporizing cannabis is a safer alternative to smoking remains uncertain, as the reduction in toxic smoke components needs to be weighed against the hazards of acute intoxication and long-term consequences to the brain (Wilsey et al., 2013; Eisenberg et al., 2014). Inhalation by smoking or vaporization releases maximal levels of THC into the blood within minutes, peaking at minutes and decreasing within 2 3 hours. Even with a fixed dose of THC in a cannabis cigarette, THC pharmacokinetics and effects vary as a function of the weight of the cannabis cigarette, the THC potency in the cigarette, its preparation, the concentration of other cannabinoids, the rate of inhalation, the depth and duration of puffs, the volume inhaled, the extent of breath-holding, the vital capacity and the escaped smoke and dose titration (Azorlosa, Greenwald & Stitzer, 1995; Azorlosa et al., 1992). Hashish, once a general term for cannabis in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, now is being used to define cannabis resin (WHO, 1994). Hashish (derived from the resin of the flowering heads of the cannabis plant) may be mixed with tobacco and smoked as a joint or (typically in South Asia) it may be smoked in a clay pipe or chillum with or without tobacco. Hashish may also be cooked in foods and eaten. In India and other parts of South Asia, cannabis preparations from stalks and leaves, called bhang, is traditionally used as a drink or chewed and is part of religious and ritual use. Survey data on patterns of cannabis use in most high- and middleincome countries indicates that most cannabis users smoke cannabis (Hall & Degenhardt, 2009). The chemistry and pharmacology of cannabis make it easiest to control doses when it is smoked (Iversen, 2007; Martin & Cone, 1999). Given the preponderance of smoking as the route of cannabis administration in developed countries, readers should assume throughout the remainder of this report that smoking is the method used unless otherwise stated. Cannabis Prevalence Cannabis is produced in nearly every country worldwide, and is the most widely produced illicit drug. The highest levels of cannabis herb production approximately 25% of global production take place in Africa, particularly in Morocco, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Malawi, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, Gambia, Kenya, and Tanzania. North and South America follow, each responsible for 23% of worldwide production of cannabis herb. Indoor production of cannabis herb is rising, as there is a lower chance of detection and growers are able to harvest multiple times per year, and is concentrated in North America, Europe, and Oceana. Cannabis herb remains the most trafficked illicit drug in the world in terms of volume and geographic spread. North America accounts for 70% of global seizures, particularly concentrated in Mexico and the United States, followed by Africa (11%) and South America (10%). Cannabis resin is second to cannabis herb in terms of volume of trafficking. Afghanistan has recently emerged as a major producer of cannabis resin, overtaking Morocco in terms of volume, and cannabis has become a competitor to opium poppy as a lucrative crop for farmers. Nearly all cannabis resin seizures (95%) took place in Europe, the Middle East, Southwest Asia, and North Africa. In addition to production, cannabis use is highest among illicit drugs globally. In many countries, cannabis use increased during the 1990s and early 2000s, but is now generally stabilizing or even decreasing. Rates of use, however, are not low; it is estimated that between 125 and 203 million people between 2.8% and 4.5% of the world population aged used cannabis at least once during the past year in 2009.Though use in North America has remained relatively stable, use in the United States has increased slightly over the past four years. Annual prevalence of cannabis use in North America is approximately 10.7% of the population aged

5 15-64, and youth use has risen over the past four years. In Mexico, use of the drug remains low, at approximately 1% of the population, though there are indications cannabis use is rising. Africa has the third highest cannabis prevalence rate in the world, after the Oceania region and North America, with estimates ranging from 21.6 to 59.1 million users, or 3.8% to 10.4% of the population. These estimates have been calculated on the basis of a very limited number of household surveys and the extrapolation of results from a few school surveys. The broad range reflects the high level of uncertainty and the general lack of reliable information pertaining to drug use throughout the continent. Oceana has a high prevalence of cannabis use as well, with information primarily available from Australia and New Zealand. Australia has recently experienced a slight increase in overall cannabis use, following strong declines over the period. Cannabis use in the Caribbean and South and Central America are steady and lower than North America, Africa, and Oceana. Countries in Western and Central Europe report decreasing use of the drug, while use in Eastern European nations is increasing; use throughout all of Europe is particularly concentrated among young people, aged 15-24, 13.9% of whom report using cannabis annually. Some countries, like England and Wales, have experienced strong declines in cannabis use in recent years. Prevalence of cannabis use in Asia is low between 1.2% and 2.5% of the population aged (31 to 68 million people); however, estimates for the world's most populated countries estimates are either unavailable (China) or only partially available and outdated (for men in India in 2000). History of Medical Cannabis Marijuana has used long before most of the people realize. Hemp is known to be used for hempen fibers, oil from the seeds, seeds for food, a medicine and for its psychoactive substances. The use of cannabis has existed over ten thousand years ago and is one the oldest crops used for cultivation. It was cultivated in China as early as 4000 BC. Most cultures viewed Marijuana as a gift for its versatile uses, it was used during ceremonials, at which time it was burned as incense, ingested for deep meditative, smoked for pleasure, or worn as cloths during these ceremonies. Over the past two decades, the idea of cannabis as medicine has become increasingly popular. Citizens of several U.S. states, beginning in 1996, voted by referenda to allowed the use of medical cannabis. Countries such as Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany, Israel, Portugal and Spain also have some form of medical cannabis regulation. This section provides a very brief synopsis of the current situation. First, it is important to distinguish between the whole cannabis plant material and individual components within the cannabis plant. Some constituents of cannabis, including THC, are available today in pill form (dronabinol, or Marinol ); some synthetic mimics of those constituents are also available (nabilone, or Cesamet ; see Table 1 for a list of active metabolites). Active metabolites in Cannabis Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Cannabidiol Cannabigerol Cannabinol Olivetol Though the whole cannabis plant is not medicine, several governments including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Spain, and other European countries have robust research programs to determine the medical efficacy of some of the constituents within cannabis. In some of these countries, cannabis-based medicines have been approved to treat neuropathic pain related to cancer and spasticity related to Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These products include nabiximols (Sativex ), an oromucosalspray comprised of THC and another cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), which allows for proper titration of dosage, eliminates the major health consequences of inhaling smoke and tends to lessen the intoxicating effects of THC. It is important to distinguish between users of scientifically-approved, legitimate cannabis-based medications and those who seek to use medical cannabis as a shield for legitimizing general cannabis use. A 2007 study analyzing over 3,000 medical cannabis users in California, found that an

6 overwhelming majority (87.9%) of those queried about the details of their cannabis initiation had tried it before the age of 19, and the average user was a 32-year-old white male. 74% of the Caucasians in the sample had used cocaine, and over 50% had used methamphetamine in their lifetime. According to a 2011 study in the Journal of Drug Policy Analysis that examined 1,655 applicants in California who sought a physician s recommendation for medical cannabis, very few of those who sought a recommendation had cancer, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, or multiple sclerosis. Additionally, in the US state of Colorado, according to the state Department of Health, only 2% of users reported cancer, and less than 1% reported HIV/AIDS as their reason for cannabis. The vast majority (94%) reported severe pain. Finally, in Oregon, there are reports that only 10 physicians made half of all recommendations for medical cannabis, and agitation, seizures, cancer, HIV/AIDS, cachexia, and glaucoma were the last six reasons people utilized cannabis for medical purposes. The use of cannabis under the guise of medicine has also affected youth drug use patterns. A study by researchers at Columbia University looked at two separate datasets and found that residents of states with medical cannabis had cannabis abuse/dependence rates almost twice as high than states without such laws. Another study in the Annals of Epidemiology found that, among youths age 12 to 17, cannabis usage rates were higher in states with medical cannabis laws (8.6%) compared with those without such laws (6.9%). More research on this connection is needed. Therapeutic Use of Cannabis 1. Although there are many negative health effects of cannabis, there are also many therapeutic uses for the drug. Some of these include: 2. Recent studies have shown that the use of cannabinoids can be therapeutic for nausea and vomiting during diseases such as cancer and AIDS. 3. The use of cannabis causes a decrease in the pressure in our eyes, helping the treatment of such diseases as glaucoma. 4. There is also a therapeutic use of cannabis for asthma. 5. It can also be used as an anti-depressant in many cases seeing as it makes the user cheer up. 6. Cannabis also increases the appetite of the user, which can be used in cases where the patient has problems eating because of a sickness and for patients suffering from anorexia. 7. Cannabis can help cure insomnia in many cases. 8. It can help with many psychological diseases such as posttraumatic stress disorder, ghost pains, and many others. Health Effects of Cannabis Consumption Cannabis impairs cognitive development, which is the capability to learn. It is common to have difficulties remembering learned items if cannabis is consumed during studying and/or during the recall periods. It also decreases motor coordination, divided attention, and operative tasks. Humans find it difficult to operate complex machinery, and it is dangerous to drive under the influence of cannabis seeing as there is an increased risk factor of an accident. Other health issues include: 1. Selective impairment of cognitive functioning which include the organization and integration of complex information involving various mechanisms of attention and memory processes; 2. Prolonged use may lead to greater impairment, which may not recover with cessation of use, and which could affect daily life functions; 3. Development of a cannabis dependence syndrome characterized by a loss of control over cannabis use is likely in chronic users; 4. Cannabis use can exacerbate schizophrenia in affected individuals; 5. Epithelial injury of the trachea and major bronchi is caused by longterm cannabis smoking; 6. Airway injury, lung inflammation, and impaired pulmonary defense against infection from persistent cannabis consumption over prolonged periods; 7. Heavy cannabis consumption is associated with a higher prevalence of symptoms of chronic bronchitis and a higher incidence of acute bronchitis than in the non-smoking cohort;

7 8. Cannabis used during pregnancy is associated with impairment in fetal development leading to a reduction in birth weight; 9. Cannabis use during pregnancy may lead to postnatal risk of rare forms of cancer although more research is needed in this area. Recreational Usage of Cannabis In the United States, data are available for motivation to use cannabis in adolescents. A study examining self-reported reasons for the use of cannabis among nationally representative samples of American high school seniors from 1976 through 2005 found that social/recreational reasons were the most commonly reported reasons for the use of cannabis, specifically to have a good time, to experiment, and to get high. Other studies have found that young adult men are more likely to use cannabis to increase or decrease the effects of other drugs, to seek deeper insights, to have a good time, and because they are addicted. Young adult women are more likely to use cannabis to help them cope and to dampen negative affect. Reasons for cannabis use for both men and women include fitting in socially, using it to cope, to conform to social norms, for mind expansion, and to alter perceptions. While there are differences for use between the sexes, no racial or ethnic differences have been found. Solutions Many solutions proposed in the past have not been successful due to governments unwillingness to change their stance on the issue of any kind of drug because of moral, religious, or traditional values that the new stance may conflict with. Because of this, the closest marijuana has gotten to becoming legalized has been the legalization for medicinal purposes, though even this has come with great resistance and scrutiny. Medicinal cannabis is used for patients suffering from cancer, glaucoma, and those allergic to other kinds of painkillers, though patients are often allowed medical marijuana for ailments such as insomnia and minor pains. This has led many to assume that medical marijuana is basically decriminalization because of the ease of access to the medicinal cannabis and the lax position of many law enforcement agencies. Many also suggest that marijuana should be legalized because it is just as if not less harmful than other substances such as alcohol or cigarettes. This argument has led to much debate, though little legislation on the international level. If an agreement is to be made, a type of consolation must be made by both sides in the argument, such as the governments allowing medical marijuana on a wider basis or allowing recreational use in confined areas, such as the Netherlands s Coffee Shops, while the other side may concede to regulation on the amount allowed or how it is purchased. In some areas, it has been purposed that cannabis be used as a cash crop to replace other dying plants, or more harmful crops, such as opium. This is a solution to consider if a country deems it to be financially sound and culturally acceptable. The argument over the legalization of marijuana has become more prevalent in recent years, and its future widespread use has been predicted, though the UN will seek to control its production and decriminalization. Criminal justice Criminal justice procedures related to possession for personal consumption are likely to decrease significantly in the context of the new laws, whereas control of other cannabis-related activities, such as cultivation, sale and distribution, will continue to require routine monitoring owing to explicit limitations set forth in the legislation. The different ways countries have implemented the international drug control conventions determines the extent to which an individual will encounter the criminal justice system for drug possession for personal use, and penalties can range from a warning to more severe consequences, such as incarceration. In countries with depenalization of possession for personal use, penalties are reduced or eliminated, but there remains a criminal justice encounter whereby the individual would still face some consequences or rehabilitation. The new legal status of the possession of cannabis in Uruguay and the states of Colorado and Washington means that no such mechanism is provided for. Over the past decade, across 45 countries, the number of people who have been in contact with the authorities (suspected or arrested) for personal drug use and possession offences has increased by one third. Among these encounters with authorities, cannabis is involved in the majority of cases in every region of the world. There are no data that can show how many of those apprehended were ultimately prosecuted, convicted and incarcerated. Economic costs and benefits Tax revenues from retail cannabis sales may provide significant revenue, although there is uncertainty concerning how much can be raised. In the ballot initiative of Colorado, it was stipulated that tax revenues from the sale of cannabis were to be used to provide $40 million for school construction. Based

8 on assumptions about the size of the market, it was estimated that the ballot measure would bring in as much as $130.1 million in revenue over the period Legalization may also increase income and social security tax revenues by shifting labour from criminal to legal and taxed activities. However, in Uruguay and the states of Washington and Colorado, significant costs will also be incurred through the establishment of programmes to deter cannabis abuse and regulate the new industry. Based on assumptions regarding the size of the consumer market, it is unclear how legalization will affect public budgets in the short or long term, but expected revenue will need to be cautiously balanced against the costs of prevention and health care. In addition to the impact on health, criminal justice and the economy, a series of other effects such as consequences related to security, health care, family problems, low performance, absenteeism, car and workplace accidents and insurance could create significant costs for the state. It is also important to note that legalization does not eliminate trafficking in that drug. Although decriminalized, its use and personal possession will be restricted by age. Therefore, the gaps that traffickers can exploit, although reduced, will remain. The collection of reliable data both before and after these policy changes will support the evaluation of the health, criminal justice and economic consequences of the new regulatory frameworks. Further, careful study of the effects on local and transnational organized crime networks will allow evidence-based decisions to inform policy in this area at the national and regional levels. The impact of this legislation can be evaluated only if it is appropriately measured through reliable data gathering and regular monitoring efforts Bloc Positions Argentina In 2009, Argentina s Supreme Court ruled that criminalizing possession of drugs for personal use is an unconstitutional violation of the right to privacy and personal autonomy. As a consequence substantial reforms have been introduced in Congress to formalize the Court s ruling Brazil The possession of illegal drugs like cannabis (for personal consumption) entails a warning, community service and education on the effects of drug use. The same measures apply to the planting and/or preparation of small amounts of any illegal drug. Selling and transportation of any illegal drugs, as well as the possession or cultivation of larger amounts is characterized as drug trafficking, a criminal act punished with 5 to 15 years in prison and a significant fine. Canada Legal with government issued license for medical or industrial purposes. On April 20, 2016, Health Minister Jane Philpott announced that new legislation would be introduced in spring 2017 to legalize and regulate marijuana. See Legislation: "Controlled Drugs and Substances Act" Colombia A series of court decisions in Colombia essentially decriminalized small amounts of marijuana and cocaine for personal use. In 2012, the Colombian Constitutional Court reconfirmed its decriminalization ruling followed by the passage of a new law that makes drug addiction a matter of public health and obliges the state to guarantee comprehensive treatment for those who seek it voluntarily. Czech Republic The Czech Republic, by contrast, has long integrated many elements of harm reduction and treatment into its drug policy, including low-threshold opioid substitution treatment and syringe access programs that are some of the most expansive in Europe. After its post-soviet transition, personal drug possession was not criminalized, but in the late 1990s, the government imposed criminal penalties on possession of a quantity greater than small (though this quantity was never defined). The Czech government conducted an in-depth evaluation and found that criminal penalties had no effect on drug use or related harms and were therefore unjustifiable. In 2009, the country formally adopted a decriminalization law that defines personal use quantities, establishing some of the most pragmatic threshold limits of any country to have yet decriminalized. What data are available indicate that the Czech model seems to be producing net societal benefits

9 India Government-owned shops in holy cities like Varanasi and few other north Indian states sell cannabis in the form of bhang. Despite the high prevalent usage, cannabis remains illegal, but is rarely enforced and treated as low priority across India. Large tracts of cannabis grow unchecked in the wild in many parts of northern and southern India. Many states such as West Bengal, Gujarat, Bihar, Orissa, Tripura, and the North East have their own laws allowing cannabis, locally known as ganja. Netherlands The Netherlands has a long-standing policy to instruct prosecutors not to prosecute possession of roughly a single dose of any drug for personal use. Neither civil nor criminal penalties apply to possession of amounts equal to or lesser than this threshold. The Netherlands has lower rates of addiction than the U.S. and much of Western Europe. The Dutch also have much lower heroin overdose rates and prevalence of injection drug use compared to the U.S. The number of young people who use drugs problematically has also decreased. Portugal In 2001, Portuguese legislators enacted a comprehensive form of decriminalization of low-level possession and consumption of all illicit drugs and reclassified these activities as administrative violations. Alongside decriminalization, Portugal significantly expanded its treatment and harm reduction services, including access to sterile syringes, methadone maintenance therapy and other medication assisted treatments. After nearly a decade and a half, Portugal has experienced no major increases in drug use. Yet it has seen reduced rates of problematic and adolescent drug use, fewer people arrested and incarcerated for drugs, reduced incidence of HIV/AIDS, reduced drug induced deaths, and a significant increase in the number of people receiving treatment.9 According to the United Nations, Portugal s policy has reportedly not led to an increase in drug tourism. It also appears that a number of drug-related problems have decreased. Independent research concludes that there is ample evidence of a successful reform. Mexico Mexico s 2009 decriminalization law is mostly symbolic. The threshold limits defining possession versus trafficking were set very low and penalties for trafficking were increased. Thus, there is evidence that Mexico s law has actually increased the number of people arrested and sanctioned for drug law violations, a phenomenon known as net-widening. Mexico also has not made the same investments in treatment and harm reduction as Portugal. World Health Organization: Countries should work toward developing policies and laws that decriminalize injection and other use of drugs and, thereby, reduce incarceration. Countries should work toward developing policies and laws that decriminalize the use of clean needles and syringes Countries should ban compulsory treatment for people who use and/or inject drugs. Human Rights Watch Drug control policies that impose criminal penalties for personal drug use undermine basic human rights... Subjecting people to criminal sanctions for the personal use of drugs, or for possession of drugs for personal use, infringes on their autonomy and right to privacy... The criminalization of drug use has undermined the right to health... [Governments should rely instead on non penal regulatory and public health policies. National Latino Congreso [T]he 2010 National Latino Congreso...urge[s] state and federal governments to follow the successful example of countries like Portugal that have decriminalized personal adult possession and use of all drugs, which has improved the health of drug users, reduced incarceration and death, and saved taxpayer money with no negative consequences to society. International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Injecting drug use is a health issue. It is an issue of human rights. It cannot be condoned, but neither should it be criminalized.

10 Global Commission on Drug Policy Stop criminalizing people for drug use and possession and stop imposing compulsory treatment on people whose only offense is drug use or possession. Questions a Resolution must answer 1. What is your country s position on the legalization of marijuana? 2. Should marijuana be used for medicinal purposes if it is regulated? 3. Does your nation see a difference between decriminalization and legalization? 4. What should the punishment be for individuals who are caught with small amounts of marijuana? 5. Would the legalization or decriminalization of marijuana severely increase its use on a worldwide scale? 6. What can the UN do on this topic without interfering with nations own drug policies? 7. What are the policies of the nations surrounding your own? 8. Could governments use marijuana as a revenue generator through the use of sin taxes?