The International Narcotics Control Board released a statement saying Uruguay's recent legalization of the production, distribution and sale of marijuana violates an international drug control convention, Reuters reported.
INCB claims the law goes against the 1961 Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, which Uruguay was a part of, Reuters reported. The group ensures the compliance of the treaty, which is five decades old.
Raymond Yans, president of INCB, said the newly-passed law would have "perverse effects of encouraging early experimentation" and "lowering the age of first use," according to Reuters. Uruguay became the first country to pass such a law on Tuesday, but the country came under extreme scrutiny and criticism.
Yans also said he was surprised Uruguay's government "knowingly decided to break the universally agreed and internationally endorsed legal provisions of the treaty," Reuters reported.
The convention treaty states those involved are required to "limit the use of cannabis to medical and scientific purposes," because they claim it has "dependence-producing potential," Yans said in the statement, according to Reuters.
"Cannabis is not only addictive but may also affect some fundamental brain functions, IQ potential, and academic and job performance and impair driving skills," the INCB statement said according to Reuters. "Smoking cannabis is more carcinogenic than smoking tobacco."
The United Nations anti-drug office agreed with INCB and stated a group effort was needed in order to fight the "global drugs challenge," according to Reuters.
"It is unfortunate that, at a time when the world is engaged in an ongoing discussion on the world drug problem, Uruguay has acted ahead of the special session of the U.N. General Assembly planned for 2016," spokesman for the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime David Dadge said, Reuters reported.
The bill was approved in the Senate and backed by the government; it provides regulation for the cultivation, distribution and consumption of marijuana, Reuters reported. President Jose Mujica has previously said the bill's sole purpose is to remove the business from criminals.
The convention said Uruguay should "engage with the board with a view to ensure that Uruguay continues to respect and implement the treaties to which it is a party," but the statement declined to say whether the group would take any further action.
