The Convention on Psychotropic Substances was a crucial development in international drug control during the 20th century. Convened in Vienna, the signing ceremony brought together representatives from numerous nations to address the emerging crisis surrounding the misuse of psychotropic substances, such as antidepressants, tranquilizers, and stimulants. The need for a new framework arose from the apparent rise in mental health issues and the alarming prevalence of drug abuse during the late 1960s and early 1970s. It sought to balance the medical use of these drugs with the need to prevent their misuse and trafficking.

The Convention established a list of controlled substances grouped according to their potential for abuse and therapeutic value, resembling the structure of previous treaties that dealt with narcotic drugs. This comprehensive agreement outlined specific measures to be taken by countries to regulate the manufacture and distribution while allowing sufficient access for medical treatment. By creating an international control mechanism, the Convention represented a collaborative effort to tackle drug abuse while ensuring that population health needs were met.

The signing of the convention also encouraged countries to strengthen their national drug control policies and promote research on psychotropic substances. It laid the groundwork for more effective communication and cooperation among nations in dealing with substance abuse issues. The UNESCO and the World Health Organization played a vital role in advocating for the convention, emphasizing the importance of mental health in public health discussions. The broader implications of the treaty reverberated through subsequent decades, influencing international drug policy and treatment approaches to mental health worldwide.