Controlled substances and precursor chemicals

The diversion of controlled substances and precursor chemicals frequently used in the production of illegal drugs is a worldwide problem that requires a global solution. Health Canada is an active team player in the fight to control the illicit use of these controlled substances and precursor chemicals.

On this page

• Health Canada's role
• About controlled substances
• About precursor chemicals
• Information on this page
  • Accessing propionic anhydride, benzyl chloride, phenethyl bromide, and carisoprodol for legitimate use

Health Canada's role

• Develop regulations for the import, export, production, distribution, possession and sale of controlled substances and precursor chemicals
• Administer legislation and activities related to controlled drugs and substances through the Office of Controlled Substances
• Work in collaboration with Canadian and international stakeholders to ensure that controlled substances and precursor chemicals are handled effectively and remain in legal distribution channels
• Analyze suspected illicit substances that are seized by Canadian law enforcement agencies (national, provincial, regional and municipal), through the Drug Analysis Service and the Cannabis Laboratory

About controlled substances

A controlled substance is any type of drug that the federal government has categorized as having a higher-than-average potential for abuse or addiction. Such drugs are divided into categories based on their potential for abuse or addiction. Controlled substances range from illegal street drugs to prescription medications.

About precursor chemicals

Precursor chemicals are chemicals that are essential to the production of a controlled substance. Precursor chemicals have a wide legitimate use in the production of consumer goods such as pharmaceuticals, fragrances, flavouring agents, petroleum products, fertilizers and paints. For example, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, commonly used in cold and decongestant medicine, are precursor chemicals that are used to produce methamphetamine.

Information on this page

In this section, you can find regulatory documents, guidelines, forms, general and contact information. It also contains links for specific public and private sector stakeholders.

Accessing propionic anhydride, benzyl chloride, phenethyl bromide, and carisoprodol for legitimate use

Questions about how to access propionic anhydride, benzyl chloride, and phenethyl bromide for legitimate use should be directed to precursors-precurseurs@hc-sc.gc.ca.

Questions about how to access carisoprodol for legitimate use should be directed to cds-sdc@hc-sc.gc.ca.

• Strengthening border security
• Controlled substances
• Drug Analysis Services
• Cannabis Laboratory
• Exemptions from the provisions of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Law enforcement information
• Policy and regulations
• Precursor chemicals
• Changes to the criminal record check process
• Order Amending Schedule V to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Fentanyl Precursors and Carisoprodol)
• Order Amending Part III of the Schedule to Part J of the Food and Drug Regulations (Carisoprodol)