Illegal Drugs Laws: Clearing a 50-Year-Old Obstacle to Research
PLoS Biology January 27, 2015 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.1002047 via OpenAlex
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe United Nations drug control conventions from 1960 and 1971, along with later additions, have inadvertently created major restrictions on medical and life sciences research. These conventions need revision to allow neuroscience to advance without hindrance and to support innovation in treatments for brain disorders. In the interim, local changes like the United Kingdom reclassifying cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2 should be implemented to enable appropriate medical research development.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Clearing Schedule Biology Obstacle Medical research |
| Citations | 66 |
| Key finding | The UN drug control conventions have inadvertently restricted medical and life sciences research and need revision to allow neuroscience progress and treatment innovation for brain disorders. |
Abstract
The United Nations drug control conventions of 1960 and 1971 and later additions have inadvertently resulted in perhaps the greatest restrictions of medical and life sciences research. These conventions now need to be revised to allow neuroscience to progress unimpeded and to assist in the innovation of treatments for brain disorders. In the meantime, local changes, such as the United Kingdom moving cannabis from Schedule 1 to Schedule 2, should be implemented to allow medical research to develop appropriately.