Legal Opinion from the Office of Legal Affairs: Implementation of the International Drug Control Treaties: Changes in the Scope of Control of Substances, OLA (2015)

An opinion by the UN Office of Legal Affairs looking at whether Ketamine, following a recommendation from China, should be scheduled under the 1971 UN Convention, despite an objection from the World Health Organisation that it should not be subject to international control. 

The OLA found that Ketamine can be scheduled, despite the objection from the WHO.

It should be noted that the conversation regarding the scheduling of Ketamine is highly controversial.  Many argue that its scheduling will reduce its availability in rural areas that benefit from Ketamine, particularly since Ketamine can be administered in facilities that do not have access to electricity.

Citation: Office of Legal Affairs. 'Legal Opinion from the Office of Legal Affairs: Implementation of the International Drug Control Treaties: Changes in the Scope of Control of Substances'  (E/CN.7/2015/14) 2015

HRDP summary