The Cannabis Initiative (2019–2025)
The International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) launched a so-called “INCB Cannabis Control Initiative” in 2019, aiming to develop guidelines to assist Member States in complying with international drug control treaties concerning cannabis –in reality, to try counteracting the progresses brought by the WHO scientific reviews of cannabis.
However, the process was marked by limited transparency, conflicts of interest, and a total absence of civil society engagement, in sharp contrast with the WHO process. By 2023, the INCB appeared to have scaled back the initiative, reorienting its work to be “limited to the specific areas of the international drug control treaties related to reporting and monitoring of controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes”, without issuing the controversial comprehensive guidelines. In February 2025, the final outcome of the “initiative” was unveiled in the form of an update of the reporting requirements.
Governments must report a number of figures on the medical and scientific use of narcotic drugs, in a document called Form C. The previous Form C was issued in 2020 and did not contain specific sections to report on cannabis. The new Form C include a full section dedicated to the reporting of cannabis or cannabis resin transformed into pure dronabinol (∆9-THC) or other pure THC isomers, which are controlled under a different treaty (1971 Convention). The form also introduces new concepts for reporting other cannabinoids that are scheduled under neither the 1961 nor the 1971 Convention, although it is indicated that reporting is “on a voluntary basis”. More analysis of this coming soon.
See INCB monitor for more details.
The Transparency Initiative (2021–Present)
The INCB is the least transparent or ALL international treaty bodies of the same kind. Even the UN Security Council is more transparent and accountable.
In response to the opaque nature of the INCB’s Cannabis Initiative, a coalition of 181 NGOs from 56 countries launched the “INCB Transparency & Accountability Initiative” and called the international public institution to greater transparency and accountability. A sign-on letter was shared with the INCB, including 6 operational recommendations and a proposal to help the Board in meeting them. A question was also asked to the United Nations Secretary General’s spokesperson (see video).
Since the letter was issued on 2 December 2021, it has received repeated pledges of answer from the INCB, but no answer so far. The letter has been shared on three other occasions with the INCB, resulting in no answer. In March 2025, the INCB pledged to invite a spokeperson of the 181 sign-on NGOs to participate in the INCB’s May 2025 meeting. However, a complex and opaque selection process for NGOs to participate was eventually proposed, resulting in none of the 181 NGOs having signed the sign-on letter being selected. This systematic refusal to answer civil society organisations from 56 countries is a concern, which will soon prompt a relaunch of the INCB Transparency & Accountability Initiative. More information soon on the Cannabis Embassy website.
For a detailed timeline and further information, visit the INCB monitor
Unfortunately there are other issues with the INCB and cannabis, which will be the focus of other articles. But the lack of transparency and accountability is at the basis of any possible change within the INCB. Support the Cannabis Embassy’s advocacy for INCB reform.
