At-a-glance: New psychoactive substances in Canada - 2022

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Organization: Health Canada

Published: 2023-12-15

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Drug Analysis Service

Health Canada's Drug Analysis Service (DAS) operates laboratories across Canada that analyze suspected illicit drugs seized by Canadian law enforcement agencies and samples submitted by public health partners. DAS data is solely based on samples submitted to our laboratories and as such, samples analyzed by DAS may not be completely representative of drug seizure in Canada, including substances circulating on the market. DAS data should therefore be used with caution when determining trends or drawing conclusions about the type and nature of substances circulating in the illicit market. The data below represent the number of times a substance was identified in submitted samples. A single sample may contain more than one substance. Categorization of substances is based on the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).

Summary

Aim

The aim of this report is to describe NPS that emerged in Canada in 2022 based on samples submitted to the Drug Analysis Service (DAS) by law enforcement agencies and public health partners.

New psychoactive substance - definition

For the purpose of this report, a new psychoactive substance (NPS) is defined as a substance that has the potential to induce psychoactive effects and that has been identified in Canada for the first time in sample submitted to DAS for analysis by law enforcement agencies and public health partners. These substances may be dangerous compounds. It is important to note that these substances may not be regulated or controlled in Canada and comprehensive information regarding their toxicity may not always be readily accessible, thereby posing potential risks to the Canadian population and more specifically people who use drugs.

Data limitations

This report is based on data made available by the Drug Analysis Service (DAS), which analyses suspected illicit drugs seized by Canadian law enforcement agencies and samples submitted by public health partners. Some limitations govern the present data. First, law enforcement agencies submit samples for laboratory analysis based on investigation needs and orientations. Thus, analyzed samples may not be completely representative of substances circulating on the market as a number of factors may influence substances submitted by Canadian law enforcement agencies. Additionally, DAS' mandate is to report substances that are controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. As such, it is possible that not all noncontrolled substance were reported.

Data Analysis

Results of analyzed samples submitted by Canadian law enforcement agencies and public health partners are reported in a centralized database called the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS). The presented data were retrieved from the LIMS and covers the period between January 1, 2022 and December 31, 2022, inclusively. NPS identifications are defined as the identification of a substance in a unique sample.

The analysis of presented data was performed in R4.0.2. Data wrangling and visualization was performed using the tidyverse package Footnote 1.

New psychoactive substances in Canada in 2022

Between January 1st, 2022 and December 31st, 2022, the Drug Analysis Service identified 29 new psychoactive substances (NPS) in samples submitted by Canadian law enforcement agencies, including 4 cannabinoids, 2 dissociatives, 2 opioids, 8 hallucinogens, 7 sedatives/hypnotics and 5 stimulants (Table 1).

Table 1. Number of new psychoactive substances by class (2022)
Pharmacological Class Chemical Class Count (n) Percent (%)
Cannabinoid Cannabimimetics Class 4 13.8
Dissociative Ketamine Class 2 6.9
Hallucinogen Lysergic Acid (LSD) Class 2 6.9
Phenethylamines (Main) Class 2 6.9
Tryptamine Class 4 13.8
Total 8 27.6
Opioid Opioid Class (Non-Fentanyl, Non-Opiates) 2 6.9
Sedative/Hypnotic Benzodiazepine (BZD) Class 4 13.8
Quinazolinone (Quaalude) Class 2 6.9
Cutting Agent 1 3.4
Total 7 24.1
Stimulant Amphetamine / Methamphetamine (Sub) Class 1 3.4
Cathinone (Sub) Class 4 13.8
Total 5 17.2
Other Substances Precursor / Key Intermediate / Reagent 1 3.4
Grand Total - 29 100.0

Of the 29 NPS, 19 of them are controlled under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and one (Medetomidine) is regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and Regulations and is currently approved in Canada for veterinary use only (Table 2).

Table 2. New psychoactive substances in Canada (2022)
Pharmacological class, chemical class Substance Synonym(s) Controlled status Additional information Structure
Cannabinoid, Cannabimimetics Class 4-fluoro-MDMB-BICA 4-fluoro MDMB-BUTICA CDSA: Schedule II, Item 2

Synthetic cannabinoids exhibit effects that are similar to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active component of cannabis, but they have the potential to induce more potent effects than THC.Footnote 2

Synthetic cannabinoids have been associated with adverse effects, including psychosis, hallucinations, and even fatalities Footnote 3 Footnote 4

1-4-fluoro-mdmb-bica
ADB-BUTINACA - CDSA: Schedule II, Item 2 2-adb-butinaca
ADB-FUBIATA AD-18; FUB-ACADB CDSA: Schedule II, Item 2 3-adb-fubiata
BZO-4en-POXIZID 4en-pentyl MDA-19 CDSA: Schedule II, Item 2 This synthetic cannabinoid was initially developed in 2008 with the intention of targeting specific (non-psychoactive) therapeutic effects in the pursuit of new treatments for neuropathic pain. Footnote 5 4-bzo-4en-poxizid
Dissociative,
Ketamine Class
FluorodeschloroketamineFootnote ŧ 2-FDCK; 3-FDCK; 4-FDCK CDSA: Schedule I, Item 14, Line 1 There is limited information available in the literature regarding these Ketamine analogs. It is anticipated that these substances will exhibit dissociative effects similar to Ketamine. Footnote 6 Footnote 7 5-fluorodeschloroketamine
FluorexetamineFootnote ß 3-fluoro-2-OXO-PCE; FXE; 2-fluoro-2-OXO-PCE CDSA: Schedule I, Item 14, Line 1 6-fluorexetamine
Hallucinogen,
Lysergic Acid (LSD) Class
1-Acetyl LSD ALD52 Not controlled These substances are analogues of Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) that generates psychedelic effects, resembling those of LSD. Footnote 8 Footnote 9 7-1-acetyl-lsd
2,4-Dimethylazetidide LSD LSZ Not controlled 8-2-4-dimethylazetidide-lsd
Hallucinogen,
Phenethylamines (Main) Class
β-hydroxy 2C-B BOHB; BOH-2C-B CDSA: Schedule III, Item 35 There is little information available in the literature regarding this substance. 9-b-hydroxy-2c-b
Allylescaline - Not controlled This substance is a derivative of the phenethylamine Mescaline. There is little information available in the literature regarding this substance. Footnote 10 10-allylescaline
Hallucinogen,
Tryptamine Class
4-Acetoxy-N-Ethyl-N-Propyltryptamine 4-Acetoxy EPT Not controlled Data suggest that this tryptamine may possibly have similar effects as psilocybin. Footnote 11 11-4-acetoxy-n-ethyl-n-propyltryptamine
5-methoxy DPT 5-methoxy-N,N-Dipropyltryptamine; 5-MeO-DPT Not controlled There is little information available in the literature regarding these tryptamines. 12-5-methoxy-dpt
Bromo-N,N-
DimethyltryptamineFootnote ¥
4-bromo-DMT; 5-bromo-DMT; 6-bromo-DMT; 7-bromo-DMT Not controlled 13-bromo-n-n-dimethyltryptamine
Chloro-N,N-
DimethyltryptamineFootnote ¥
4-chloro-DMT; 5-chloro-DMT; 6-chloro-DMT; 7-chloro-DMT Not controlled 14-chloro-n-n-dimethyltryptamine
Opioid,
Opioid Class (Non-Fentanyl, Non-Opiates)
Dipyanone N-pyrrolidino Methadone CDSA: Schedule I, Item 5 This opioid is reported to be slightly less potent than methadone. Footnote 12 15-dipyanone
Butonitazene Butoxynitazene CDSA: Schedule I, Item 13 This novel opioid is reported to exhibit analgesic effects in mice, in a manner consistent with other benzimidazoles. Footnote 13 16-butonitazene
Sedative/Hypnotic,
Benzodiazepine (BZD) Class
Desalkylgidazepam Bromonordiazepam CDSA: Schedule IV, Item 18 The active metabolite of Gidazepam, an available prescription-only benzodiazepine medication marketed in Russia and Ukraine. It is utilized as a treatment for anxiety, alcohol withdrawal, and migraines. Footnote 14 17-desalkylgidazepam
Fluclotizolam - CDSA: Schedule IV, Item 18 Data suggest that this benzodiazepine may be 2-3 times more potent than Etizolam. Footnote 15 18-fluclotizolam
Flunitrazolam FNTZ; Flunazolam CDSA: Schedule IV, Item 18 The chemical structure suggests that Flunitrazolam is a potent benzodiazepine. Footnote 15 19-flunitrazolam
Pyrazolam - CDSA: Schedule IV, Item 18 This benzodiazepine is structurally similar to Alprazolam. It has been identified in Europe in 2012. Footnote 15 20-pyrazolam
Sedative/Hypnotic,
Quinazolinone (Quaalude) Class
Etaqualone Aolan; Athinazone; Ethinazone Not controlled This quinazolinone is an analogue of Methaqualone and was marketed in Europe for the treatment of insomnia. Footnote 16 21-etaqualone
Methylmethaqualone MMQ; 4-methyl Methaqualone Not controlled This quinazolinone is an analogue of Methaqualone. It has been associated with acute neurotoxicity. Footnote 17 22-methylmethaqualone
Sedative/Hypnotic,
Cutting Agent
Medetomidine Domitor; Selektope Canada's Food and Drugs Act and Regulations (Veterinary use only) This substance is an analgesic/anesthetic belonging to the same class of medication as Xylazine. It is commonly employed in veterinary medicine as an adjuvant analgesic/anesthetic during surgeries for dogs. Footnote 18 23-medetomidine
Stimulant,
Amphetamine / Methamphetamine (Sub) Class
FluoroethamphetamineFootnote ß 2-fluoroethamphetamine; 3-fluoroethamphetamine; 4-fluoroethamphetamine CDSA: Schedule I, Item 19 This amphetamine is structurally similar to fluoroamphetamine and fluoromethamphetamine. Footnote 19 24-fluoroethamphetamine
Stimulant,
Cathinone (Sub) Class
N-cyclohexylmethylone Cyputylone CDSA: Schedule I, Item 19 This cathinone is structurally similar to Methylone and Diethylone. Little information is available. Footnote 20 25-n-cyclohexylmethylone
N-Ethylpentedrone α-Ethylaminopentiophenone CDSA: Schedule I, Item 19 These cathinones have been identified in several toxicology and death cases. Footnote 21 Footnote 22 Footnote 23 26-n-ethylpentedrone
N,N-Dimethylpentylone Dipentylone; bk-DMBDP CDSA: Schedule I, Item 19 27-n-n-dimethylpentylone
N-Propylbutylone 3,4-Methylenedioxy-α-propylaminobutiophenone; bk-PBDB CDSA: Schedule I, Item 19 28-n-propylbutylone
Other substance,
Precursor / Key Intermediate / Reagent
Methyl 3-oxo-2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)
butanoate
MD-MAPA; 3,4-methylenedioxy-MAPA CDSA: Schedule VI, Item 9 This substance serves as a precursor in the production of MDMA Footnote 24 29-methyl-3-oxo-2-3-4-methylenedioxyphenyl-butanoate
Footnote ŧ

There is multiple isomers available for this drug and only the 2-substituted isomer have been drawn in this table.

Return to footnote ŧ referrer

Footnote ß

There is multiple isomers available for this drug and only the 3-substituted isomer have been drawn in this table.

Return to footnote ß referrer

Footnote ¥

There is multiple isomers available for this drug and only the 5-substituted isomer have been drawn in this table.

Return to footnote ¥ referrer

First identifications

New psychoactive substances were identified throughout 2022, reaching a peak in August (Figure 1).

Figure 1. First NPS identification (month) in 2022 by pharmacological class
Figure 1. Text version below.
Figure 1 - Text description
First NPS identification (month) in 2022 by pharmacological class
Month Pharmacological Class Total
Cannabinoid Dissociative Hallucinogen Opioid Sedative/Hypnotic Stimulant Not applicable Footnote §
January - - - - - - - -
February - - - 1 1 - - 2
March - - - - 1 - - 1
April - - - 1 2 - - 3
May - 1 - - 1 - - 2
June 1 - - - - 2 - 3
July 1 - - - - - - 1
August - - 6 - - 2 - 8
September - - - - 2 - - 2
October 1 - - - - - 1 2
November 1 1 1 - - - - 3
December - - 1 - - 1 - 2
Footnote §

Not applicable: Includes precursors/key intermediates/reagents, prescription drugs, over the counter drugs and non-drugs.

Return to footnote § referrer


Half (14) of the 29 NPS were first identified in samples submitted by law enforcement agencies in Ontario, and a quarter (8) of them were identified in samples submitted by law enforcement agencies in British Columbia (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Number of the first NPS identifications in 2022 per province and territory
Figure 2. Text version below.
Figure 2 - Text description
Number of the first NPS identifications in 2022 per province and territory
Province/Territory Pharmacological Class Total
Cannabinoid Dissociative Hallucinogen Opioid Sedative/Hypnotic Stimulant Not applicableFootnote §
Saskatchewan 1 - - - - - - 1
Ontario - 1 6 1 3 3 - 14
Quebec 1 - - - 1 1 - 3
British Columbia 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 8
Alberta - - 1 - 2 - - 3
Footnote §

Not applicable: Includes precursors/key intermediates/reagents, prescription drugs, over the counter drugs and non-drugs.

Return to footnote § referrer


Cannabinoids: DAS newly identified 4 synthetic cannabinoids (cannabimimetics) in 2022, all of which were either in powder form or residue. 4-fluoro-MDMB-BICA was found in co-occurrence with another synthetic cannabinoid, ADB-BUTINACA. Other co-occurring substances identified with some of these NPS were opioids (Fentanyl, nitazenes), stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine) and Xylazine.

Dissociatives: DAS newly identified 2 ketamine analogues in 2022, both of which were in crystalline form. Fluorodeschloroketamine was identified both in crystalline form and in powder form. It was also identified in co-occurrence with various substances including stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, and MDA), opioids (Fentanyl, Carfentanil, and 6-Acetylmorphine), and Ketamine itself.

Hallucinogens: DAS newly identified 4 tryptamines in 2022, all of which were in powder form and without any co-occurring substances.

Opioids: DAS newly identified 2 synthetic opioids in 2022, both of which were in powder form. Dipyanone was found in co-occurrence with substances such as Fentanyl and Etizolam, among others. Butonitazene was found in co-occurrence with other opioids (Metonitazene, Fentanyl and Acetylfentanyl) and sedative/hypnotic substances (Xylazine and Flubromazepam).

Sedatives/hypnotics: DAS newly identified 4 benzodiazepines in 2022. Desalkylgidazepam and Fluclotizolam were repeatedly identified in 2022 in various forms including tablets, powder, blotter paper and crystalline substance. Flunitrazolam and Pyrazolam were each identified once in 2022 in the form of tablets. Desalkylgidazepam was identified in co-occurrence with multiple other substances, including Fentanyl and analogues, other benzodiazepines, nitazenes as well as stimulants (Methamphetamine, Cocaine and MDMA). More information about Desalkylgidazepam can be found in our report "Infosheet: Emergence of Desalkylgidazepam, a novel benzodiazepine in Canada". DAS also newly identified 2 sedatives/hypnotics belonging to the quinazolinone (quaalude) chemical class. These substances, Etaqualone and Methylmethaqualone, were found in powder form and were identified in co-occurrence with Fentanyl, various benzodiazepines, and nitazenes. At last, Medetomidine, a non-controlled veterinary anesthetic/analgesic was identified in co-occurrence with Fentanyl, several benzodiazepines as well as Xylazine.

Stimulants: DAS newly identified 4 cathinones in 2022. N,N-Dimethylpentylone was identified in co-occurrence with Methamphetamine, Fentanyl and Xylazine (Table 3).

Table 3. First identification of new psychoactive substances (2022)
Pharmacological Class Chemical Class Substance First Identification Description Co-occurring substances
Date City, Province
Cannabinoid Cannabimimetic class 4-fluoro-MDMB-BICA October 27, 2022 Nanaimo, British Columbia Powder ADB-BUTINACA
ADB-BUTINACA July 27, 2022 Regina, Saskatchewan Powder Caffeine, ß-keto-Ethylbenzodioxolylbutanamine, Xylazine
ADB-FUBIATA June 28, 2022 Vancouver, British Columbia Powder α-Pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone, Caffeine, Cocaine, Diphenhydramine, Etodesnitazene, Fentanyl, Metonitazene
BZO-4en-POXIZID November 8, 2022 Lavaltrie, Quebec Residue Caffeine, Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Xylazine
Dissociative Ketamine class Fluorexetamine November 22, 2022 Surrey, British Columbia Crystalline Substance -
Fluorodeschloroketamine May 25, 2022 Port Hope, Ontario Crystalline substance, Powder Caffeine, Cocaine, Diphenhydramine, Fentanyl, 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA), Methamphetamine, 6-Acetylmorphine, Carfentanil, Ketamine
Hallucinogen Lysergic acid (LSD) class 1-Acetyl LSD August 26, 2022 Hamilton, Ontario Powder -
2,4-Dimethylazetidide LSD August 19, 2022 Hamilton, Ontario Blotter papers -
Phenethylamines (main) class Allylescaline August 26, 2022 Hamilton, Ontario Powder -
β-hydroxy 2C-B December 13, 2022 Lethbridge, Alberta Tablets -
Tryptamine class 4-Acetoxy-N-Ethyl-N-Propyltryptamine August 12, 2022 Hamilton, Ontario Powder -
5-methoxy DPT November 14, 2022 Nanaimo, British Columbia Powder -
Bromo-N,N-
Dimethyltryptamine
August 26, 2022 Hamilton, Ontario Powder -
Chloro-N,N-
Dimethyltryptamine
August 19, 2022 Hamilton, Ontario Powder -
Opioid Opioid class (non-fentanyl, non-opiates) Dipyanone February 22, 2022 Brantford, Ontario Powder Caffeine, Diphenhydramine, Etizolam, Fentanyl, Lidocaine, Phenacetin
Butonitazene April 27, 2022 Surrey, British Columbia Powder Caffeine, Dimethylsulphone, Fentanyl, Flubromazepam, Xylazine, Acetylfentanyl, Metonitazene
Sedative/Hypnotic Benzodiazepine (BZD) class Desalkylgidazepam April 27, 2022 Drayton Valley, Alberta Powder, Crystalline substance, Residue, Rock-like solid (crack), Syringe Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Caffeine, Phenacetin, para-Fluorofentanyl, Carfentanil, Dimethylsulphone, Flualprazolam, Cocaine, Lidocaine, Flubromazepam, Acetylfentanyl, Bromazolam, Diacetylmorphine, Xylazine, Etizolam, N-methyl-3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDMA), Deschloroetizolam, Diphenhydramine, Etodesnitazene, Metonitazene, Trazodone
Fluclotizolam April 21, 2022 Dryden, Ontario Tablets, Blotter papers, Powder -
Flunitrazolam September 13, 2022 Longueuil, Quebec Tablets -
Pyrazolam September 29, 2022 Lethbridge, Alberta Tablets -
Quinazolinone (Quaalude) Class Etaqualone March 23, 2022 Barrie, Ontario Powder Bromazolam, Caffeine, Diphenhydramine, Etodesnitazene, Fentanyl, Metonitazene, Scopolamine
Methylmethaqualone February 25, 2022 Barrie, Ontario Powder Caffeine, Diphenhydramine, Etodesnitazene, Fentanyl, Metonitazene, Norfludiazepam, Bromazolam, Furanyl UF-17, Xylazine, Dimethylsulphone
Cutting Agent Medetomidine May 11, 2022 Brantford, Ontario Powder Caffeine, Diphenhydramine, Fentanyl, Flubromazepam, Phenacetin, Xylazine, Etodesnitazene, Bromazolam, Etizolam, Norfludiazepam
Stimulant Amphetamine / methamphetamine (sub) class Fluoroethamphetamine June 9, 2022 Port Hope, Ontario Powder -
Cathinone (sub) class N-cyclohexylmethylone December 22, 2022 Surrey, British Columbia Crystalline Substance -
N-Ethylpentedrone August 24, 2022 Port Hope, Ontario Powder -
N,N-Dimethylpentylone June 1, 2022 Barrie, Ontario Powder, Tablets α-Pyrrolidinoisohexanophenone, Caffeine, Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, Xylazine, Dimethylsulphone
N-Propylbutylone August 18, 2022 Boucherville, Quebec Powder -
Other Substances Precursor / key intermediate / reagent Methyl 3-oxo-2-(3,4-methylenedioxyphenyl)
butanoate
October 11, 2022 West Vancouver, British Columbia Powder -

Conclusion

This At-A-Glance report describes 29 new psychoactive substances first identified by the Drug Analysis Service in 2022 in samples submitted by Canadian law enforcement agencies and public health partners. NPS identified in Canada in 2022 include 8 hallucinogens (4 tryptamines, 2 phenethylamines and 2 LSD analogs), 7 sedative/hypnotics (4 benzodiazepines, 2 quinazolinones and 1 cutting agent), 5 stimulants (4 cathinones and 1 amphetamine), 4 cannabinoids (synthetic cannabinoids), 2 dissociatives (ketamine analogs), 2 opioids and 1 other substance. Half of the NPS were identified for the first time in samples submitted by law enforcement agencies from Ontario and a quarter from law enforcement agencies in British Columbia. Co-occurring substances with newly identified NPS included Fentanyl and analogues, benzodiazepines, nitazenes and stimulants (Methamphetamine, Cocaine, MDMA and MDA). Continued monitoring of NPS is required to ensure accurate information is available to partners about potentially harmful substances and to identify emerging trends on the Canadian market.

Drug Analysis Service– Health Canada:

Public Health Agency of Canada:

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Footnote 23

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Suggested citation

Government of Canada. (2023). Health Canada Drug Analysis Service. At-a-glance: New psychoactive substances in Canada - 2022. Longueuil (QC), 2023. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/publications/healthy-living/new-psychoactive-substances-canada-2022.html.

For more information, please contact Health Canada’s Drug Analysis Service.

© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Health, 2023

Cat.: H139-56/2023E-PDF ׀ ISBN: 978-0-660-68253-2 ׀ Pub.: 230491

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