Two new synthetic opioid-like compounds added to temporary controlled-substance schedule, effective October 2026

A pending amendment (not yet in force) will add two substances — spirobrorphine and spirochlorphine — to Part 3 of Schedule 4 of the Controlled Substances Regulations for a defined temporary period. During that window, both compounds and their salts will be scheduled controlled substances, meaning activities such as production, sale, import, or possession without proper authorization will be subject to federal controlled-substances rules. Businesses or researchers currently working with either compound should assess whether they will need licences or exemptions before the amendment takes effect. The change has no immediate operational effect until it comes into force.