Canada's controlled-substances schedules restructured and new substances added to temporary-control lists

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

Schedule V has been split into two parts: Part 1 now lists controlled substances subject to temporary scheduling, while Part 2 houses precursors (Class A, Class B, and preparations/mixtures). As a result, the definition of 'controlled substance' now refers to Schedules I–IV and Part 1 of Schedule V, and 'precursor' now covers Part 2 of Schedule V as well as Schedule VI. Several chemicals previously in Schedule V (Phenethyl bromide, Propionic anhydride, Benzyl chloride) have been moved permanently into Schedule VI. New temporary entries have been added to Schedule V: two substances (Spirobrorphine and Spirochlorphine) appear in Part 1 as controlled substances, and one substance (R 29676) plus preparations containing it appear in Part 2 as precursors, each for a one-year period. Police and military police undercover exemption powers have been expanded to also cover related Criminal Code conspiracy and attempt offences. Businesses and individuals handling any of these substances—including importers, manufacturers, pharmacists, and researchers—should review whether substances they work with have shifted schedule classification or been newly added, as this affects their licensing and compliance obligations.

Who this affects: pharmaceutical manufacturers and importers · licensed dealers and researchers · pharmacists and dispensing practitioners · law enforcement agencies · chemical distributors and suppliers