To address the emergence of novel synthetic drugs and the precursors used to produce them, the CDSA includes a mechanism to quickly and temporarily schedule a substance of concern.

Subsection 60.1(1) of the CDSA gives the Minister of Health the authority to temporarily add a substance to Schedule V of the CDSA through a Ministerial Order, if the Minister of Health has reasonable grounds to believe the substance:

• (a) poses a significant risk to public health or safety; or
• (b) may pose a risk to public health or safety; and
  • (i) is being imported into Canada with no legitimate purpose; or
  • (ii) is being distributed in Canada with no legitimate purpose.

Temporary controls under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act for three substances that are at risk of entering the illegal drug supply. The new controls come into force on June 5, 2026, for a period of one year. The substances to be controlled are two synthetic opioids, spirobrorphine and spirochlorphine, as well as R 29676, a precursor chemical. This proactive and accelerated regulatory action is based on evidence indicating these substances are being imported into Canada by criminal organizations or that they are being found in other countries. As part of Canada’s Border Plan, these controls give new tools to Canadian law and border enforcement to stop the illegal importation, production and distribution of these substances.