A United Nations drug policy agency this week is expected to postpone a vote on the World Health Organization’s cannabis scheduling recommendations, prompting a U.S. representative in Vienna to voice “regret” over the delay.

Several other countries, however, welcomed the expected postponement of the vote until December.

The expected delay by the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) involves several changes to how cannabis is scheduled in international drug control treaties, a decision that would have significant implications for the regulated industry.

It would be the second time the agency has pushed back a vote.

The CND – the United Nations’ main drug policymaking body – was expected to vote on the recommendations this week.

Walsh, principal deputy assistant secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, added that it is “especially important that the CND respond to all WHO recommendations in a timely manner.”

However, CND Chair Mansoor Ahmad Khan proposed postponing the vote until December 2020 “to preserve the integrity of the international scheduling system.”

The U.N. body “decides to continue during its current 63rd session the consideration of the recommendations of the World Health Organization on cannabis and cannabis-related substances, bearing in mind their complexity, in order to clarify the implications and consequences of, as well as the reasoning for, these recommendations,” Khan wrote in a statement.

Member states reached an informal consensus to officially approve the CND chair’s decision later this week.

The inability of the CND to decide on a conclusive path on cannabis scheduling comes as current International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) President Cornelis P. de Joncheere questioned whether drug control treaties are out of date, and his predecessor, former INCB chief Viroj Sumyai, took the reins of a Thai cannabis company.

Kenzi Riboulet-Zemouli, an independent expert on United Nations drug policy, told Marijuana Business Daily that “considering that there’s still gaps in understanding and not enough support to the recommendations from the international community, not voting is better than voting and losing.”

“We now have to work toward a favorable result in December.”

Mixed reaction

During the first two days of the 63rd CND session, various countries made statements regarding cannabis, including concerning the WHO scheduling recommendations.

In his statement on behalf of the United States, Walsh said it is “especially important that the CND respond to all WHO recommendations in a timely manner.”

“This includes making difficult decisions on cannabis so that the commission can return its focus to more urgent drug control threats that are killing many of our citizens and undermining our security and public health,” Walsh continued.

“It is now the responsibility of Member States to continue this process through the CND in a manner that ensures they arrive at the reconvened session in December prepared to cast their votes.”

The U.S. statement also showed signs of concern of the implications of not voting, saying that “in the absence of a timely response from the CND, these questions may give rise to discrepancies and vulnerabilities that can be exploited by traffickers, ultimately weakening the international drug control system. This lends urgency to our efforts.

“We look forward to working together to find creative and effective solutions to these challenges so the Commission can return to more urgent priorities.”

Below are responses the expected delay from other nations:

The Group of Asia-Pacific States said that “the recommendations must be carefully and responsibly considered for the benefit of international community and society as a whole without unnecessary delay, considering that cannabis is the most abused drug in the world and these recommendations could have significant economic, social, legal and administrative impacts on society.”

said that “the recommendations must be carefully and responsibly considered for the benefit of international community and society as a whole without unnecessary delay, considering that cannabis is the most abused drug in the world and these recommendations could have significant economic, social, legal and administrative impacts on society.” The Group of 77 – a coalition of 135 developing countries and China , said it “calls upon all states to duly consider the potential social, economic, administrative, legal and other implication of the recommendations.”

– a coalition of 135 developing countries and , said it “calls upon all states to duly consider the potential social, economic, administrative, legal and other implication of the recommendations.” Algeria called the postponement a “wise decision” and sees “absolutely no urgency,” a position shared by the Sudan, which called on nations not to make “hasty decisions.”

called the postponement a “wise decision” and sees “absolutely no urgency,” a position shared by the which called on nations not to make “hasty decisions.” Ecuador considered the additional time “desirable,” and the Dominican Republic supported the delay because it’s “a complex issue.”

considered the additional time “desirable,” and the supported the delay because it’s “a complex issue.” Jamaica called the discussions a “historic opportunity for the Commission to demonstrate its capacity to operate within the context of an ever changing and innovative world,” adding that the recommendations “acknowledge the medical and therapeutic benefits of cannabis.”

“We owe it to the countless millions of persons in need of palliative care; to those suffering from illnesses and disorders such as epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis and wasting syndrome. We owe it to them to provide this avenue of hope where all other options have failed,” Jamaica’s representative said.

called the discussions a “historic opportunity for the Commission to demonstrate its capacity to operate within the context of an ever changing and innovative world,” adding that the recommendations “acknowledge the medical and therapeutic benefits of cannabis.” “We owe it to the countless millions of persons in need of palliative care; to those suffering from illnesses and disorders such as epilepsy, cancer, multiple sclerosis and wasting syndrome. We owe it to them to provide this avenue of hope where all other options have failed,” Jamaica’s representative said. Slovenia said that cannabis needs to be “made accessible in the same rigorous manner as it applies to all other substances.”

Alfredo Pascual can be reached at [email protected]