The UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs plays a crucial role in shaping global drug policies, and the 2025 session brought pressing issues to the forefront. Addressing the commission, Dr. Kevin Sabet, President and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) and the Foundation for Drug Policy Solutions (FDPS), delivered a compelling statement about the challenges and opportunities in global drug policy. His message highlighted the promise of the Hyannis Consensus, a blueprint for effective drug policy, while addressing serious concerns about the global addiction crisis.

The Hyannis Consensus and Its Vision for Drug Policy

At the heart of Dr. Sabet’s address was the Hyannis Consensus, a newly introduced framework for tackling the multifaceted challenges of drug policy. This blueprint seeks to realign global efforts by focusing on six core pillars:

• Prevention: Educating communities to discourage drug initiation.
• Treatment and Recovery: Prioritising access to professional care and sustaining recovery for those affected.
• Criminal Justice Reform: Developing smart policies that balance justice with compassionate care.
• Global Cooperation: Strengthening international partnerships to tackle the cross-border impact of drug trafficking.
• Supply Reduction: Addressing the sources of illicit drugs to weaken their availability.
• Advocacy for Drug-Free Goals: Promoting policies that discourage normalising drug use while striving for a society where drug use is minimised.

This integrated approach not only provides a pathway to reduce drug use but also fosters a more humane and cost-effective means of addressing addiction. Dr. Sabet emphasised the importance of adhering to these principles to create meaningful impact globally.

The Warning Signs of a Global Drug Crisis

Dr. Sabet didn’t shy away from raising concerns during his address to the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs. He pointed to the catastrophic human toll of the addiction crisis, a crisis that has been exacerbated by the misguided pursuit of policies aimed at normalising drug use. These policies, which often push for the legalisation of addictive substances, run counter to the spirit of international drug conventions and jeopardise global progress.

Dr. Kevin Sabet highlighted the troubling effects of cannabis and psychedelic drug legalization in regions such as North America, with similar trends emerging in Europe and Africa. Dr. Sabet warned against the false promise of legalisation solving problems exacerbated by the illicit market. Instead, he argued that such measures enrich private enterprises at the expense of public health, contributing to societal harm.

The Role of Member States in the Fight Against Addiction

A critical appeal in Dr. Sabet’s address was for member states to uphold the commitments outlined in international drug conventions. When countries neglect their obligations, they risk undermining effective policies and exacerbating the crisis.

Dr. Sabet also denounced the false dichotomies often portrayed in drug policy debates, such as public health versus criminal justice or harm reduction versus recovery. He urged the global community to break these binaries and adopt a unified approach, recognising that recovery and prevention go hand in hand with justice and care.

Learning from the Past to Protect the Future

One of the key concerns raised at the 2025 session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs was the potential establishment of an international legal drug industry. Drawing lessons from the alcohol and tobacco industries, Dr. Sabet pointed out how global corporate interests often challenge public health regulations, leading to consequences for society. He stressed the need to prevent similar failures from occurring within the sphere of drug policy.

Dr. Sabet also highlighted the broader societal impacts of drug use, addressing both fatal and non-fatal overdoses. While saving lives through overdose reversal is essential, he underscored the need for holistic efforts that also work to improve individuals’ quality of life and guide them toward recovery.

A Renewed Commitment to Action

The collective responsibility of nations resonated throughout Dr. Sabet’s speech. Policymakers were urged to double down on prevention efforts and re-emphasise global cooperation. Applauding countries such as Thailand, Germany, and the United Kingdom for recent steps to combat permissive drug policies, he encouraged other nations to follow suit and uphold their commitments to fighting addiction.

Ultimately, Dr. Sabet’s address to the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs 2025 was a clarion call to act decisively, emphasising that the international community cannot afford to lower its standards in addressing addiction. His message was clear: preventing and reducing drug use is not just a noble goal but an essential one.

Now, more than ever, global cooperation is needed to ensure that addiction does not continue to devastate societies. By adhering to the values set forth in the Hyannis Consensus, member states have the tools to create effective and humane drug policies that improve lives, foster recovery, and discourage drug normalisation.

Source: YouTube