The 1971 Convention on Psychotropic Substances extended the international drug control system to cover mood-altering substances such as stimulants (e.g., AMPHETAMINES), SEDATIVE-HYPNOTICS (e.g., BARBITURATES), and HALLUCINOGENS (e.g., LSC and MESCALINE). It limited the use of these substances to medical and scientific purposes, and it did not cover ALCOHOL or TOBACCO. As of November 1994, 132 governments were party to the convention.

General Provisions

The manufacture, trade, and distribution of psychotropic substances are subject to licensing, record keeping, and reporting. The convention generally permits governments great flexibility in applying the provisions to meet their particular needs, because it recognizes that psychotropic substances are widely used in medical practice to treat mental and physical disorders. In addition, the convention includes provisions for the prevention of abuse and for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts. Because of the convention, a substance abuser may receive...