The report reviews the production and consumption of opiate raw materials, assesses medical needs, and examines impediments to medical availability. The Board found that few countries have established effective and comprehensive systems for assessing their medical needs and monitoring the extent to which those needs are met. In many countries, the legislatures have enacted laws which may unduly impede the availability of opiates, out of a fear that drug abuse may develop or spread. Optimal use of opiates for medical reasons has also been hindered by limitations within health care systems, notably the inadequate development of infrastructure and insufficient personnel or resources. Negative public perceptions of opiate use and varying professional attitudes may also have affected the legitimate supply of opiates. 1 table, 3 figures, 5 notes, and 3 appendixes