Any researcher who wishes to use controlled drugs or narcotics for research purposes will need to have a Section 56 Exemption pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act prior to ordering controlled drugs and/or narcotics.
Procedure for Obtaining Controlled Drugs and Narcotics for Research Purposes:
Any researcher who wishes to use controlled drugs or narcotics for research purposes will need to have a Section 56 Exemption pursuant to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act prior to ordering controlled drugs and/or narcotics.
To obtain more information, and to download the application form, please visit the Health Canada website: "Application form for an exemption to use a controlled substance for scientific purposes."
Please ensure that copies of all current approved Animal Care Protocols, proof of current approval by a local animal care committee (for in vivo animal administration) and No Objection Letters (for clinical studies) are included with the application and that the declaration on page four is signed and dated. You may email the entire application, protocols and animal care committee approvals to exemption@hc-sc.gc.ca or mail to:
Exemptions Section
Authorizations Division
Office of Controlled Substances
Health Canada
161 Goldenrod Drwy
AL0300B
Ottawa ON K1A 0K9
The average processing time for an exemption is 42 business days.
Please note that the application requires you to provide the name of the supplier of the controlled drugs. Currently, the supplier of most veterinary controlled drugs is:
CDMV
3400 CARTIER ST
SAINT-HYACINTHE QC J2S 1L5
Telephone: 800-668-2368
Fax: 800-363-3134
Contact: Hassan Malekeddine
Email: hassan.malekeddine@cdmv.com
If the drug is not available in Canada, Health Canada may assist with importing the drug. In this case, Health Canada requires a Purolator account number on Import Permit forms as this is the only company that ships with a Chain of Signature, which is a regulatory requirement for controlled drugs and substances.
For further information, contact the Evaluation and Authorization Division by phone at (613) 952-2219 or (613) 957-1063, by fax at (613) 952-2196 or by e-mail at hc.exemption.sc@canada.ca.
After you have obtained your Section 56 exemption, you can then order the controlled drugs. If CDMV is the listed supplier, you can submit your order using their order form.
Important information for ordering controlled drugs through CDMV with an exemption can be found in the CDMV how to order document.
Guidance on how to properly complete the Application Form for an Exemption to Use a Controlled Substance for Scientific Purposes, can be found here.