The road ahead

Scheduling or controlling a substance is a lengthy – and costly – process, especially as it is the authorities who bear the onus of proof. Additionally, controlling an ever-larger number of substances, affecting police, customs, forensic laboratories, import/export authorities and the health authorities, among others may stretch some Member States beyond their capacities.

Alternative systems, such as the establishment of “early warning systems” for NPS, “emergency scheduling”, “analogue scheduling”, “generic scheduling”, application of the “medicines law” and other creative approaches, all have their pros and cons. Most have improved the situation and have taught valuable lessons in planning for future control regimes. However, what is missing is coordination at the global level so that drug dealers cannot simply exploit loopholes, both within regions and even within countries.

The establishment of a global early warning system is needed to inform Member States of emerging substances and to support them in their response to this complex and changing phenomenon.[1] While the international drug control conventions offer the possibility of scheduling new substances, the sheer rapidity of emerging NPS makes this a very challenging undertaking. What is needed is an understanding and sharing of methods and lessons learned in regional responses to the situation involving NPS before exploring the setting up of a global response to the problem.

[1] In its resolution 56/4 of 15 March 2013, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs encouraged the UNODC “to share and exchange ideas, efforts, good practices and experiences in adopting effective responses to address the unique challenges posed by new psychoactive substances, which may include, among other national responses, new laws, regulations and restrictions”.