The INCB calls on all governments to take specific legal action to prevent the misuse of the Internet on a national level as the first step. But it also points out that due to the worldwide nature of the Web, national measures in themselves only have limited effect if not supplemented by concerted international action. Norephedrine, a chemical often used in the illicit manufacture of amphetamine is also on the target-list of the Board as this substance was placed under international control last year. In most countries in Africa abuse of drugs and especially psychotropic substances appears to be on the rise, especially the number of women and children abusing drugs is increasing. Inadequate systems of licensing and weak inspection mechanisms fuel the growing abuse in psychotropic substances.
Cannabis continues to be the drug most commonly abused in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
In Canada, cannabis growers and traffickers often receive too lenient court sentences reducing the impact of efforts by law enforcement authorities. In the United States, a sharp increase in prescriptions of psychoactive drugs for children under the age of six is noted. Throughout the region of South America national legislation appears to be comprehensive and policies are well formulated. However, organizational, political and financial impediments hamper their implementation. In Iran and Pakistan opium and heroin addiction rates are among the highest in the world.