Should Fentanyl Precursor Chemicals and Carisoprodol Be Controlled Substances?

Official title: Consultation: Proposal to control certain fentanyl precursor chemicals and carisoprodol under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

Closed Regulations & Permits Health & Safety Justice & Rights
Health Canada proposed adding three chemicals used to make fentanyl—plus the muscle relaxant carisoprodol—to Canada's controlled substances list. Why? Controlling these chemicals would make it harder to produce illegal fentanyl in Canada and abroad. The consultation asked industries, researchers, and the public about any legitimate uses for these substances.

Why This Matters

The opioid crisis has touched communities across Canada. Fentanyl is behind most overdose deaths. This proposal targets the chemicals used to make it illegally. If you work with industrial chemicals or know someone affected by the overdose crisis, this decision matters.

What Could Change

If approved, buying, selling, or possessing these chemicals without authorization would become illegal. Industries using phenethyl bromide, propionic anhydride, or benzyl chloride would need licenses. Carisoprodol prescriptions would face tighter controls, similar to other controlled medications.

Key Issues

  • Are there legitimate industrial or research uses for phenethyl bromide, propionic anhydride, or benzyl chloride that would be disrupted?
  • Should carisoprodol be controlled given its potential for misuse?

How to Participate

  1. Review the Notice of Intent published in the Canada Gazette to understand the full proposal.
  2. Comments could be submitted by email to csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc@hc-sc.gc.ca during the consultation period.

What Happened

The consultation ran from February 14 to February 24, 2025. Health Canada sought comments from Canadian industries, licensed dealers, law enforcement, researchers, and the public on any known uses of these chemicals.

Key Documents