Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

This site describes the schedules of the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

The CDSA is the federal legislation that spells out which chemicals and plants Canadian citizens may not grow, buy, sell, swallow, hold, or otherwise lust after.

If you do grow, buy, sell, swallow, hold, or otherwise lust after any of these chemicals or plants you may be arrested, fined, jailed, or all three.

Also described here are the United Kingdom Misuse of Drugs Act (MDA), the United Nations Drugs and Substances under International Control, and the United States Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

A, B… Z	Consolidated Index of Controlled Substances
	Controlled Drugs and Substances Act Schedules•Legislative history•Definitions and Interpretations(updated: new ATIs) Includes the 30 March 2012 addition by SOR/2012-66 of Benzylpiperazine (BZP) and Trifluoromethylphenylpiperazine (TFMPP) to Schedule III. If you didn’t see that coming it’s because Health Canada, in a manoeuvre redolent of the old Narcotic Control Act, eschewed pre-publication in the Canada Gazette. The Harper Government “eliminating waste and unnecessary duplication,” no doubt. Includes the sweeping and roundly condemned omnibus crime bill, Bill C-10 the Safe Streets and Communities Act. Having received Royal Assent 13 March 2012, the Harper Government has successfully set back what passes for “drug policy” in Canada about 30 years—as promised. The scheduling changes effected by this odious bill remain to be proclaimed in force and await publication in the Canada Gazette Part II and III, after which this site will be updated accordingly. Includes the 19 Feb 2011 proposal to add Salvia divinorum and Salvinorin A to Schedule III. Read more about Health Canada’s agenda for S. divinorum… (updated 19 Oct 2011) The regulatory status of almost 2800 substances (at least as far as Health Canada is concerned). Note: This status information may no longer be accurate thanks to Bill C-10—I asked Health Canada for an update on 14 March 2012. While they aim to address all inquiries within five days, in this case they are drifting ever further from their target. I have filed an Access to Information request to improve their focus.
	Controlled Substances Act Schedules•Legislative history•Definitions and Interpretations A link to Bill H.R. 1254, the Synthetic Drug Control Act of 2011, currently before the Senate is included on the Legislative History page. However the changes to the CSA schedules proposed by this bill are not currently included within the schedule listings. Includes the 1 Mar 2012 proposed rule 77 FR 12508: Placement of Five Synthetic Cannabinoids Into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Includes the 29 Feb 2012 rule 77 FR 12201: Extension of Temporary Placement of Five Synthetic Cannabinoids Into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Includes the 1 Jan 2012 rule 77 FR 4228: Technical Amendments and Corrections to DEA Regulations.
	Misuse of Drugs Act Schedules•Legislative history•Definitions and Interpretations Includes the 10 Apr 2012 temporary class drug order S.I. 2012/980 for Methoxetamine. This is the first such order issued since the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, the enabling legislation, came into force 15 Nov 2011. Note: Simple possession of a temporary class drug (possession for personal use) is not an offence. Includes Home Office notices concerning Phenazepam, Desoxypipradrol and Methoxetamine.
	Drugs and Substances under International Control Schedules
	Substances Controlled by the European Union SchedulesNew! EMCDDA–Europol Report on 49 new drugs officially noticed in 2011. The 49 substances named in Annex 1 of the report, with corrected names and structures drawn.

I have tried to ensure that the text and structures listed here are complete and correct. I apologize for any errors or omissions. Please report any mistakes you detect or suspect, as well as any suggestions for improving this site, to Steve Chapman.