The Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs emerged from a need to address the growing concerns over drug abuse and trafficking in the post-World War II era. Prior to this convention, various international agreements tackled narcotic control, but there was no single comprehensive framework to coordinate global responses. The conference in New York City, held under the auspices of the United Nations, gathered representatives from 73 countries aiming to create a unified approach to drug control. This resulted in a treaty that unified previous agreements and set forth a strict regime for the regulation of narcotics and psychotropic substances.

The Convention necessitated that signatory nations implement measures to prevent illicit drug use while ensuring that legitimate medical needs were met. Countries were required to control the cultivation of plants that could be used for narcotics and to keep detailed records of production, manufacture, and trade in these substances. Additionally, the Convention established a framework for international cooperation, allowing for the sharing of information and resources among member countries to combat drug trafficking effectively.

By promoting a collaborative international stance against drug misuse, the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs laid the groundwork for subsequent treaties and protocols aimed at enhancing global drug policy. Its sweeping regulations would ultimately influence national drug laws and international relations concerning narcotics, prompting more debate around public health and law enforcement responses to drug-related issues.