The 52nd session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND) will take place in Vienna from the 11th to the 20th of March 2009. The commission is responsible for determining global drug policy and has for many years enforced a strict prohibition regime for cannabis and other drugs internationally. However in recent years the commission has become more open to evidence based research regarding the harms of prohibition. As such they are now investigating a Harm Reduction model as advocated by Norml.

The NZ Law Commission, who are currently reworking the failed Misuse of Drugs Act (1975), have voiced strong reluctance when it comes to defying the CND's authority. Therefore any relaxation of UN mandates regarding cannabis are likely to be reflected in more liberal drug policy in New Zealand.

"CND is the UN body tasked with overseeing global drug policy. However, despite this important mandate, the Commission chooses to work in relative secrecy. Its meetings are not webcast, nor are minutes or summary records made available to the public. The final reports of the meetings are extremely limited. The CND never votes, so it is difficult to find out what position your government has taken on key issues."

Thankfully you can follow this important meeting live at: www.cndblog.org