Closed consultation: Modernization of the regulations for controlled substances

From: Health Canada

Current status: Closed

This consultation ran from June 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024.

Health Canada has developed a regulatory proposal to address gaps and inconsistencies in the regulatory framework for controlled substances. There are 4 different categories of controlled substances:

• narcotics
• controlled drugs
• targeted substances
• restricted drugs

This regulatory proposal would consolidate 6 regulations and 6 exemptions made under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act into a single regulation called the Controlled Substances Regulations. It was published for comment in the Canada Gazette.

The proposed Controlled Substances Regulations aim to:

• consolidate and modernize provisions in the current regulations to improve administration of and compliance with the regulatory requirements
• support pharmacy innovation in Canada
• enable pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to more fully use their expertise
• further enhance the clarity and readability of the regulations

Proposed amendments to the Cannabis Regulations would improve alignment with the proposed Controlled Substances Regulations by updating sections on test kits and drugs containing cannabis.

Who was the focus of this consultation

We engaged with:

• Licensed dealers
• Provincial and territorial governments
• Indigenous communities, organizations, and health authorities
• Healthcare professionals, associations and regulatory colleges
• Researchers
• Law enforcement agencies
• Cannabis licence holders and their associations

Key questions for discussion

Ideas and inputs were sought around 2 topics:

• whether adjustments to the proposed regulations should be made, and
• whether our impact analysis, including estimated costs and benefits, was appropriate

The input that was gathered through this process will be considered when finalizing the proposed regulations.

Related information

• Health Canada 2024 to 2026 Forward Regulatory Plan - Canada.ca
• Health and Biosciences: Targeted Regulatory Review – Regulatory Roadmap - Canada.ca
• Consultation: Updating the provisions for hospitals and practitioners in regulations under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act - Canada.ca
• Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Cannabis Act

Contact us

Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Controlled Substances and Overdose Response Directorate
Health Canada
Address Locator: 0302A
150 Tunney's Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9

Email: csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc@hc-sc.gc.ca