Health Canada Publishes Proposed Changes to Increase Oversight for Precursor Chemicals and Drug Equipment
Ottawa, Ontario – Health Canada has published proposed changes to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and its regulations to increase oversight for precursor chemicals and drug equipment. These changes are intended to address the evolving drug situation in Canada, including the increasing use of fentanyl and other opioids.
Precursor Chemicals
Precursor chemicals are substances that can be used to produce illicit drugs, such as fentanyl and methamphetamine. The proposed changes would:
- Add 13 new precursor chemicals to the CDSA, including 4-ANPP, a precursor used to produce fentanyl.
- Require individuals and businesses that deal with these precursor chemicals to obtain a license from Health Canada.
- Prohibit the sale and distribution of precursor chemicals to individuals who do not have a license.
Drug Equipment
Drug equipment is used to produce, process, or administer illicit drugs. The proposed changes would:
- Define drug equipment under the CDSA.
- Prohibit the sale, distribution, and possession of drug equipment without a license.
Other Measures
In addition to these specific changes, the proposed amendments would also:
- Strengthen penalties for offenses related to precursor chemicals and drug equipment.
- Provide Health Canada with new powers to investigate and enforce the CDSA.
Public Consultation
Health Canada is seeking public feedback on the proposed changes until March 29, 2025. Interested individuals and organizations can submit their comments online at the Canada Gazette website.
Next Steps
After the public consultation period ends, Health Canada will review the feedback received and make any necessary revisions to the proposed changes. The final regulations are expected to be published in the Canada Gazette in mid-2025.
Statement from Health Canada
“These proposed changes are an important step in strengthening Canada’s drug control system,” said the Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Health. “They will help us to address the growing threat of fentanyl and other opioids, and protect the health and safety of Canadians.”
Health Canada publishes proposed changes to increase oversight for precursor chemicals and drug equipment
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
Canada All National News a new article on 2025-01-30 22:45 titled “Health Canada publishes proposed changes to increase oversight for precursor chemicals and drug equipment”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
104