Subsection 56(1) Class Exemption for Certain Practitioners to Administer Designated Drugs for Therapeutic Use

Pursuant to subsection 56(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA),
practitioners of medicine, dentistry or veterinary medicine and nurse practitioners are exempt from subsections 5(1) and 5(2) of the CDSA to the extent necessary to allow them to:

• administer a designated drug to a person or animal under their professional treatment if the designated drug is required for the condition for which that person or animal is receiving treatment.

Definitions:

In respect of this exemption, the terms used have the same meaning as those provided in the CDSA and its regulations. For clarity, the definitions for the following terms are set out below:

"administer"

includes to prescribe, sell or provide a drug.

"designated drug"

means any of the following controlled drugs:

1. amphetamine and its salts;
2. benzphetamine and its salts;
3. methamphetamine and its salts;
4. phenmetrazine and its salts; or
5. phendimetrazine and its salts.

The exemption may be suspended without prior notice if the Minister deems that such suspension is necessary to protect public health or public safety.

The Minister may revoke the exemption if the Minister is of the opinion that it is no longer necessary.

This exemption will remain in effect until the earliest of the following dates:

• The date on which this exemption is replaced by another exemption, or
• The date of revocation.

Signed for and on behalf of the Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health.

Carol Anne Chénard
Acting Director General
Controlled Substances Directorate
Health Canada

Effective Date: November 29, 2023