CPS71-76
Convention on Psychotropic Substances
The Convention on Psychotropic Substances (CPS) is a United Nations Treaty that aims to control psychoactive drugs such as amphetamines, barbiturates, and psychedelics. The Convention contains import and export restrictions and other rules aimed at limiting drug use to scientific and medical purposes. The Convention also establishes an international control system for psychotropic substances. The Convention has four Schedules of controlled substances, ranging from Schedule I (most restrictive) to Schedule IV (least restrictive). A list of psychotropic substances was annexed to the 1971 Treaty. Schedule I includes drugs that create a serious risk to public health and whose therapeutic value is doubtful. For instance it discusses LSD, DMT and the most controversial drug Cannabis. Schedule II includes stimulants of the amphetamine type, of limited therapeutic value, as well as some analgesics such as phencyclidine. Schedule III includes barbiturate products with fast or average effects, which have been the object of serious abuse even though useful therapeutically, and some analgesics like buprenorphine. Schedule IV includes hypnotics, tranquilizers and analgesics, which engender a dependence, but are mainly used in therapy. The Convention was adopted and opened for signature by the United Nations Conference in Vienna from January 11 to February 21, 1971 and entered into force on August 16, 1976. Today, 175 nations are Parties to the Treaty.