Title 21, Food and DrugsRelease 119-102
§852 Application of Treaties and Other International Agreements
Title 21 › CHAPTER 13 — DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION AND CONTROL › SUBCHAPTER I — CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT › Part D — Offenses and Penalties › § 852
Summary
International drug treaties cannot be used to stop a country from offering treatment, education, or rehabilitation instead of convicting or punishing people for crimes involving drugs those treaties cover.
Full Legal Text
Title 21, §852
Food and Drugs, Source: USLM XML via OLRC
Nothing in the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs, the Convention on Psychotropic Substances, or other treaties or international agreements shall be construed to limit the provision of treatment, education, or rehabilitation as alternatives to conviction or criminal penalty for offenses involving any drug or other substance subject to control under any such treaty or agreement.
Legislative History
Notes & Related Subsidiaries
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date
Section effective on date the Convention on Psychotropic Substances enters into force in the United States [July 15, 1980], see section 112 of Pub. L. 95–633, set out as a note under section 801a of this title.
Reference
Citations & Metadata
Citation
21 U.S.C. § 852
Title 21, Food and Drugs
Last Updated
Aug 21, 2026
Release point: 119-102