Convention on Psychotropic Substances

Quick Facts: Who was Convention on Psychotropic Substances?

Subject:

Convention on Psychotropic Substances

Known for:

UN treaty regulating psychoactive drugs to limit use to medical/scientific purposes.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

The Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 is a United Nations treaty designed to control psychoactive drugs such as amphetamine-type stimulants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and psychedelics signed in Vienna, Austria on 21 February 1971. The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 did not ban the many newly discovered psychotropics, since its scope was limited to drugs with cannabis, coca and opium-like effects.

Career & Major Achievements

During the 1960s, such drugs became widely available, and government authorities opposed this for numerous reasons, arguing that along with negative health effects, drug use led to lowered moral standards. The Convention, which contains import and export restrictions and other rules aimed at limiting drug use to scientific and medical purposes, came into force on 16 August 1976.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

As of 2013, 183 member states are Parties to the treaty. The treaty is not self-implementing; individual countries must pass domestic laws to enact punishments and restrictions.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1961: 1961 Milestone — The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961 did not ban the many newly discovered psychotropics, since its scope was limited to drugs with cannabis, coca and opium-like effects.
2. 1971: 1971 Milestone — The Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 is a United Nations treaty designed to control psychoactive drugs such as amphetamine-type stimulants, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and psychedelics signed in Vienna, Austria on 21 February 1971.
3. 1976: 1976 Milestone — The Convention, which contains import and export restrictions and other rules aimed at limiting drug use to scientific and medical purposes, came into force on 16 August 1976.
4. 2013: 2013 Milestone — As of 2013, 183 member states are Parties to the treaty.

Notable Quotes by Convention on Psychotropic Substances

“The Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971 is a United Nations treaty designed to control psychoactive drugs...” (1971)

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Convention on Psychotropic Substances

True or False: “The Convention on Psychotropic Substances was designed to replace the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs entirely, banning all previously scheduled drugs.”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The Convention was designed to supplement and expand upon the Single Convention, not to replace it entirely. The Single Convention remained relevant for its specific scope of drugs like cannabis and opium.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Abd El-Razzak El-Sanhuri — Historical peer (Died in 1971) (1971): Pioneering Egyptian jurist, celebrated for authoring the revised Civil Code of 1948.
• Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi — Historical peer (Born in 1971) (1971): Iraqi militant leader and founder of the Islamic State (IS)
• Aaron Sorkin — Historical peer (Born in 1961) (1961): Master of fast-paced dialogue, known for 'walk and talk' storytelling.
• Abderrahmane Sissako — Historical peer (Born in 1961) (1961): Mauritanian-born Malian film director known for themes of globalization and exile.
• A Day at the Races (album) — Historical peer (Born in 1976) (1976): Queen's fifth studio album, a companion piece to A Night at the Opera.
• Abdul Hamid Khan Bhashani — Historical peer (Died in 1976) (1976): Bangladeshi statesman and founder of the Awami League, known for advocating for the poor.
• Aaron Swartz — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Pioneering programmer, activist, and hacktivist known for RSS, Markdown, and progressive organizing.
• Ada Louise Huxtable — Historical peer (Died in 2013) (2013): Pioneering American architecture critic who elevated urban design to public discourse.

Frequently Asked Questions about Convention on Psychotropic Substances