General News

Macao SAR Representatives Attended Online Meeting of United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs

In response to the decision of the 63rd section of United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (hereafter referred to as “CND”) Meeting, the voting for six recommendations by the World Health Organization (hereafter referred to as WHO) to reschedule cannabis and cannabis-related substances is postponed till December 2020 in the reconvened session. Before the voting, CND will organize three sessions of panel discussions for the experts from Member States. Owing to the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic, CND held the first meeting online on 24th and 25th June.

Cheang Io Tat, Head of Department of Prevention and Treatment of Problem Gambling and Drug Dependence of the Social Welfare Bureau (hereafter referred to as “SWB”) and Ao Wang Tim, Head of Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Division of SWB participated in this session as members and observers of the Chinese delegation. In this session, Zhao Zhongchen, Deputy Secretary-General of National Narcotics Control Commission and Deputy Director of the Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security of China pointed out, China is cautious on the recommendations of changing the restriction of cannabis and cannabis-related substances. Including cannabis and cannabis-related substances in international drug control treaties will help countries to legally combat illicit manufacturing and trafficking of these substances. Currently, there is not enough empirical research to prove that products containing cannabis ingredients are safe and effective. Changing the restriction of cannabis may mislead the public. In addition, the changing extraction techniques and usage methods may accelerate the emergence of new drugs and increase the risk of drug abuse. According to the Law No. 17/2009 “Prohibition of illicit production, trafficking and consumption of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances” modified by Law No.4/2014, Law No.10/2016 and Law No.10/2019 respectively, both cannabis and cannabis-like substances are subject to legal control in Macao Special Administrative Region (hereafter referred to as Macao SAR). Trafficking cannabis and related drugs can be punished with up to 15 years’ imprisonment, while using them can be punished with up to one year’s imprisonment. With regard to the recommendations of WHO to change cannabis and cannabis-related substances in the scope of substance control, Macao SAR Government is in line with China and has submitted relevant report to national authorities in 2019.

The United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs was established on 16th February, 1946. It is responsible for reviewing and analyzing the situation of global drug control and discussing drug-related matter such as drug abuse prevention, rehabilitation of drug users, illegal drug supply and trafficking. This session mainly discussed the possible impacts and results of adjusting cannabis and cannabis-related substances in the scope of substance control in terms of economic, legal, administrative and other factors, helping countries to make reasonable decisions in voting. Representatives from over 30 Member States joined the discussion in this online meeting. The next meeting will take place between August and September.


Department Head of SWB Cheang Io Tat and Division Head Ao Wang Tim attended the CND online session