The Board reiterates its view that measures taken in various states of the United States to legalize the production, sale and distribution of cannabis for nonmedical and non-scientific purposes are inconsistent with the provisions of the international drug control treaties. The limitation of the use of controlled substances to medical and scientific purposes is a fundamental principle which lies at the heart of the international drug control legal framework which cannot be derogated from. Regardless of whether they are federal or unitary States, all parties to the conventions have a legal obligation to give effect to and carry out the provisions of the convention within their own territories.