At the 68th session of the Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND68) in Vienna, a crucial side event titled Supporting Drug Education and Prevention Initiatives brought together experts, policymakers, and former users to discuss the dangers of drug use and the importance of prevention. The event was organized by Fundacion para la Mejora de la Vida la Cultura y la Sociedad (Foundation for the Improvement of Life Culture and Society), an international foundation covering many societal issues with an educational and learning approach, and an important program on drug prevention; it was co-organized with the support of the specialized network of the Foundation for a Drug Free Europe, which counts with over 100 grassroots groups in Europe that do one on one prevention with The Truth About Drugs campaign.
This side event underscored the urgent need for coordinated global action to curb the rising tide of drug abuse, which continues to devastate communities worldwide.
Julie Delvaux, UNODC representative for the ECOSOC recognized Fundacion Mejora, set the tone for the session, emphasizing the need for early intervention: “The earlier we act, the more lives we can save, and the more we can reduce the harm being created by drugs.” She stressed that drug use is not merely a health issue but a social crisis affecting multiple sectors, including crime rates, economic stability, and mental health. With millions of people affected globally, the challenge is immense, and prevention emerges as the most effective long-term solution.
The event featured a range of speakers, from scientists to former drug users, all advocating for strong educational tactics in the field of education to increase the awareness of the dangers of drugs and comprehensive prevention efforts. Their insights painted a stark picture of the drug problem, reinforcing that public health policies should focus on preventing first use, rather than managing addiction after it has already taken hold.
Synthetic Cannabinoids: The Hidden Danger
Robert Galibert, President of the Foundation for a Drug-Free Europe (FDFE) and an expert in biochemistry, gave a scientific breakdown of synthetic cannabinoids, a growing threat in drug markets worldwide. His presentation delved into the biochemical mechanisms through which these substances interact with the human body, explaining how they are far more potent than natural cannabis and pose significant risks to both mental and physical health.
“These substances are far more potent and dangerous than natural cannabis,” Galibert warned. He elaborated on how synthetic cannabinoids, initially developed for medical research, were hijacked by illicit manufacturers seeking to exploit legal loopholes. These unregulated substances have resulted in severe health complications, including heart problems, severe vomiting, hallucinations, and in some cases, fatal overdoses.
He explained how synthetic cannabinoids disrupt the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating mood, memory, and overall physiological balance. Similarly to phyto-cannabinoids (found in cannabis), these synthetic substitutes bind to cannabinoid receptors, but activate them much more violently, resulting in extreme and unpredictable effects.
He pointed out the fat solubility of cannabis, which allows it to accumulate in the body and cause prolonged impairment. “The elimination of THC takes weeks, meaning a user is under the influence long after consumption,” he said. Comparing it to alcohol, he added, “Alcohol is eliminated in 24 hours, but THC (like phyto- or synthetic-cannabinoids) remains in adipose tissue for weeks, making its effects long-lasting and underestimated.” This insight is particularly crucial in the debate surrounding cannabis legalization, as it challenges the misconception that marijuana use is harmless or easily manageable.
A Former Addict’s Testimony: Real Impact of Drug Use
Perhaps the most moving moment of the event came from Stephanie, a former drug user from Switzerland. Speaking in French, she detailed her descent into addiction, which started with cannabis and quickly escalated to LSD, cocaine, heroin, and methadone. Her candid account exposed the progressive nature of drug addiction, challenging the notion that cannabis use can remain recreational without leading to further substance abuse.
She described how peer pressure led her to experiment: “At first, I didn’t want to be part of the group. But as time passed, I felt isolated. So, I gave in.” Like many young people, she was drawn in by the social aspects of drug use, not realizing the long-term consequences. Her story is a stark reminder that drug addiction often starts with social normalization—what seems like a harmless decision can spiral into a devastating dependency.
Her turning point came when she found herself “in a place without money, without a home, and with a lot of pain”, destitute, and suffering from severe withdrawal symptoms. “I hit rock bottom. That’s when I knew I had to change,” she revealed. After enough attempts at rehabilitation, she finally succeeded in overcoming addiction and now, after recovering control over her life and building a company that gives work to some 30 people, she has made it her mission to help others avoid the same fate.
Her story was a powerful testament to the necessity of prevention and education. She emphasized that had she been properly educated about the dangers of drugs in her early teens, she might have avoided the path she took. She urged policymakers to implement early education programs in schools, providing children with the knowledge and resilience to resist peer pressure.
The Science and Policy Debate on Cannabis
Dr. Francis Nde, medical advisor to the Council of the European Union, focused on the health consequences of cannabis use. He cited studies linking cannabis consumption to testicular cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental disorders like schizophrenia. “The effects of cannabis are not just short-term; they are passed down through generations,” he emphasized, referring to recent studies on epigenetic effects. He called on governments to take these scientific findings into account when considering cannabis legalization, arguing that public health should take precedence over economic incentives or political pressures.
A tense discussion emerged when a psychologist from Poland, questioned whether alcohol should be considered the primary gateway drug instead of cannabis. Galibert responded with scientific data, reinforcing that while alcohol is a risk factor, cannabis is a stronger predictor of progression to harder drugs due to its persistent impact on the brain. He detailed how THC alters brain chemistry, making individuals more susceptible to seeking stronger substances to achieve similar effects.
Another controversial topic was Ukraine’s potential legalization of medical cannabis. Dr. Olena Shcherbakova, a senior researcher from Ukraine’s National Academy of Medical Sciences, presented the findings of her research with Dr Heorhii Danylenko and warned against legalization efforts: “We understand the risks and are actively working to prevent legalization. But we face strong lobbying efforts.” Her remarks underscored the geopolitical and policy challenges surrounding cannabis regulation. The debate highlighted the global divide in drug policy, where some nations push for legalization while others fight to uphold strict regulations to protect public health.
The Road Ahead for Prevention and Policy
As the session wrapped up, Delvaux reiterated the key message: Prevention through education, early intervention, and international cooperation is crucial in the fight against drug abuse. She called for greater investment in public awareness campaigns, school-based prevention programs, and cross-border collaboration to tackle the evolving drug crisis.
Stephanie’s story, Galibert’s scientific analysis, Dr. Nde’s medical expertise, Dr Shcherbakova and Dr Danylenko, all pointed to the urgent need for stricter policies and widespread awareness campaigns. The speakers warned that legalization efforts, particularly for cannabis, pose a significant risk to public health and should be countered with robust prevention strategies.The event at CND68 made it clear: The fight against drug abuse is far from over. But with education, strong policies, and international collaboration, progress can be made in protecting the most vulnerable—especially the youth—from the devastating consequences of drug addiction.
