Notice: Consultations related to the regulations for controlled substances under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and proposed amendments to the Cannabis Regulations
The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and its regulations apply to controlled substances and precursors (chemicals used to make controlled substances). Controlled substances are substances that can alter mental processes and that may pose risks to public health or public safety when used inappropriately or diverted to an illegal market.
On June 1, 2024, Health Canada initiated consultations on two proposals related to the regulations for controlled substances made under the CDSA.
Controlled Substances Regulations
The proposed Controlled Substances Regulations (CSR) would consolidate the Narcotic Control Regulations, Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations, Parts G and J of the Food and Drug Regulations and the New Classes of Practitioners Regulations and incorporate six class exemptions into one new regulation. Once in force, the proposed CSR would provide a comprehensive regulatory framework governing legitimate activities with all categories of controlled substances (i.e. narcotics, controlled drugs, targeted substances, and restricted drugs) conducted by licensed dealers, pharmacists, practitioners, hospitals and individuals. In addition, consequential and coordinating amendments to related federal regulations (i.e., the Cannabis Regulations, the Precursor Control Regulations, the Food and Drug Regulations and certain fees regulations) are being proposed.
The proposed CSR and the proposed amendments to the Cannabis Regulations were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 1, 2024, which initiated a 60-day consultation period ending on July 31, 2024. All input received through the public consultation will be used to inform development of the final regulations.
As part of our commitment to transparency with the regulatory consultation process, the Government of Canada has implemented the Online Regulatory Consultation System (ORCS) for all consultations for proposed regulations published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, to receive and post stakeholders comments. To provide your feedback for the proposed CSR and the proposed amendments to the Cannabis Regulations, interested parties are strongly encouraged to use the online commenting feature that is available on the Canada Gazette. Note that your comments on these proposed regulations will be posted on the Canada Gazette website following the end of the consultation.
Notice of intent to consult on modernization of provisions pertaining to hospitals and practitioners in regulations made under the CDSA
Health Canada has also published a Notice of Intent to initiate the next phase of regulatory modernization work for controlled substances. It serves to initiate a broader dialogue with interested parties, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners, provinces and territories, health care professionals and associations, other stakeholders and the general public regarding Health Canada’s intent to update regulatory provisions related to hospitals and practitioners. The feedback and input we gather from this consultation will inform future regulatory changes with respect to these provisions.
The Notice of Intent was also published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 1, 2024, which initiated a public consultation period. Please submit your comments and feedback related to the Notice of Intent by 11:59 pm EDT on December 1, 2024.
Submission of comments for the proposed CSR, the proposed amendments to the Cannabis Regulations, and the Notice of Intent will also be accepted through email and mail through the contact information provided below.
The views of First Nations, Inuit and Métis on the proposed CSR, the proposed amendments to the Cannabis Regulations, and the Notice of Intent are valued by Health Canada. The Department will continue to engage and work closely with First Nations, Inuit and Métis governments, organizations and communities across the country to help ensure the specific interests of Indigenous peoples are carefully considered.
Office of Legislative and Regulatory Affairs
Controlled Substances and Overdose Response Directorate
Controlled Substances and Cannabis Branch
Health Canada
csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc@hc-sc.gc.ca.
Address Locator: 0302A
150 Tunney’s Pasture Driveway
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9