Page updated: August 6, 2026
Background
On of October 1, 2026, Health Canada’s new Controlled Substances Regulations will come into effect, creating a single, modernized framework for regulating controlled substances. Multiple existing federal regulations and exemptions will be consolidated into one framework to improve clarity, consistency and harmonization across substance categories.
The regulations were published in December 2025 following Health Canada’s 2024 public consultations. To read the Regulatory Impact Analysis Statement, refer to the Canada Gazette, Part II, Volume 159, Number 26.
Health Canada’s subsection 56 (1) exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act remains in effect until September 30, 2026. Following that date, the authorities granted by the exemption will be permanently established under the new Controlled Substances Regulations.
Summary of Key Changes
As of October 1, 2026:
Pharmacists and interns can:
- Accept verbal prescriptions for controlled substances from a practitioner
- Order and receive controlled substances
- Transfer prescriptions for controlled substances to another pharmacist or pharmacy technician in Canada within two years of the date of receipt
- Extend (renew) or adapt prescriptions for controlled substances within two years of the date of receipt
- De-prescribe controlled substance prescriptions as an adaptation, or part-fill them in accordance with the Drug Interchangeability and Dispensing Fee Act
Pharmacy technicians and intern technicians can:
- Accept verbal prescriptions for controlled substances from a practitioner
- Receive controlled substances
- Transfer prescriptions for controlled substances to another pharmacy technician or pharmacist in Canada within two years of the date of receipt
- Destroy controlled substances or serve as a witness during their destruction at the pharmacy
Central fill pharmacies can:
- Fill controlled substance prescriptions without needing a dealer’s license
Persons in charge of a hospital can:
- Administer, sell, provide, send, deliver, and transport controlled substances
Next Steps
We’re currently reviewing our policies and resources to align with the upcoming changes. Ongoing updates will be provided on the College’s website, and key information will be shared in e-Connect and on other official College communication channels.
Resources
The resources below will help you prepare for the upcoming changes taking effect on October 1, 2026.
- Legal Authority for Scope of Practice / Authorized Acts (October 1, 2026 version)
- Controlled Substances: Prescription Regulation Summary Chart (October 1, 2026 version)
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all aspects of the Controlled Substances Regulations apply to Ontario pharmacy professionals?
No. Not all aspects of the Controlled Substances Regulations apply in Ontario. While the Controlled Substances Regulations are federal, some authorities require enabling provincial legislation.
For example, Ontario pharmacists cannot therapeutically substitute one controlled substance for another because this authority is not included in provincial legislation (i.e., it is not within the scope of practice for Ontario pharmacists).
Ontario pharmacists can adapt prescriptions for controlled substances, including the dose, dosage form, regimen and route of administration.
Will the subsection 56 (1) class exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act become permanent under the new Controlled Substances Regulations?
Yes. Health Canada’s subsection 56 (1) exemption from the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act remains in effect until September 30, 2026. After that date, the authorities granted by the exemption, including pharmacists’ ability to extend (renew) and transfer prescriptions for controlled substances, will be permanently established under the Controlled Substances Regulations.
What are considered controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Regulations?
Controlled substances include narcotics, controlled drugs, targeted substances and restricted drugs. The definition of a controlled substance is not changing. What is changing is where these substances are listed. As of October 1, 2026, controlled substances will be listed in Schedules 1 to 4 of the Controlled Substances Regulations instead of in schedules across three separate regulations.
Are pharmacy professionals required to notify Health Canada about moving or selling their controlled substance inventory?
Under the Controlled Substances Regulations, effective October 1, 2026, pharmacy professionals are no longer required to notify Health Canada when transferring controlled substance inventory after a pharmacy permanently closes.