Should CBD Health Products Be Available Without a Prescription?
Official title: Consultation: Towards a pathway for health products containing cannabidiol
Health Canada wants to know if CBD products should be sold as over-the-counter health products. Right now, CBD is only available through cannabis stores or with a prescription. The government is exploring rules that would let pharmacies and retailers sell CBD products for minor health issues—if they meet safety and quality standards.
Why This Matters
Use CBD oil for sleep or pain relief? This could change where you buy it and what's in it. Products would need to prove they're safe and actually work. That means clearer labels and quality standards—but possibly higher prices too.
What Could Change
CBD products could become available at pharmacies and health stores, not just cannabis retailers. New regulations would require manufacturers to prove their products are safe and effective for specific uses. This could also apply to CBD products for pets.
Key Issues
- Should CBD products be available without a prescription?
- What evidence should be required to prove CBD products are safe and effective?
- Should the same rules apply to CBD products for both humans and animals?
How to Participate
- Read the Discussion Paper: Towards a Pathway for Health Products Containing Cannabidiol and consider the questions at the end.
- This consultation is now closed. Feedback was accepted via the online feedback form or by email to nnhpd.consultation-dpsnso@hc-sc.gc.ca.