Resumed sixty-third session of the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs was held at the Vienna International Centre in a hybrid format on 2, 3 and 4 December 2020.

CARICC participated in meetings online as an observer.

On 2 December, CND considered the World Health Organization recommendations on cannabis and cannabis-related substances and voted on changes in the scope of control of these substances.

United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs adopted by a majority vote the WHO recommendation to remove cannabis and cannabis resin from Schedule IV of the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs.

Along with this recommendation, five other items on relaxation of control over derivatives of this plant were discussed, but none was adopted

On 3 and 4 December this year, the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice held joint meetings during their reconvened sessions to consider agendas items of both Commissions, with a view to providing integrated policy directives to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime on administrative, budgetary and strategic management issues.

Ms. Ghada Waly, UNODC Executive Director, addressed the opening of joint meetings of UNODC Commissions and encouraged participants to exchange more proposals as part of their consideration of the UNODC Strategy 2021-2015 as well as draft Plan for 2021.

Moreover, during the event were considered preparation for the 14th UN Congress, on adoption of consolidated budget, improvement of UNODC management and financial situation, and also was presented a report on implementation of Plan for 2020.