In 1995 the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations
Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) announced
in a press release the publication of the results of the largest global
study on cocaine use ever undertaken. The most important recommendation
holds that: "WHO/PSA should investigate the therapeutic benefits of
coca leaf" and a broader statement on researching the impact on health
at individual and population levels of different legislation and drug
control measures. However, a decision in the World Health Assembly
banned the publication of the study. The US representative threatened
that "if WHO activities relating to drugs failed to reinforce proven
drug control approaches, funds for the relevant programmes should be
curtailed". This led to the decision to discontinue publication. A part of the study has been recuperated and is now available on the
TNI's website. We feel this information is valid,
important and needs to be available in the public domain.
In the short article WHO: 'Six Horsemen ride out' there is more information on this case.
