Overview

Drugs have always played a complicated role in society, being used to heal, to escape, to celebrate, even to survive. But in recent years, something deeper has shifted. More and more, drugs and substances are being treated not as tools for health or tradition, but as products to be branded, modified, and sold to the highest bidder. This process, known as commodification, goes far beyond the act of selling. It’s about how substances are changed to fit markets. Painkillers are reformulated for longer highs. Cannabis is packaged in sleek designs and sold in curated doses. Illegal drugs are modified to be stronger, cheaper, and more addictive. Behind every altered formula or catchy marketing campaign is a person managing chronic pain, battling addiction, or struggling to access basic healthcare. As the legal and illegal drug industries grow, so do the consequences. The same companies that profit from these substances often distance themselves from the harm they cause. And those most affected, especially in marginalized communities, are too often criminalized or ignored. In a world where drugs are increasingly designed for markets, how do we protect the people who need them most? Who is protected by current systems, and who is left behind? How are substances being reshaped to meet economic goals? Don’t miss the chance of signing up for the UNODC committee at this year’s edition on GalMUN!