The CPhM dedicated webpage on the new Controlled Substances Regulations can be accessed through the following link:

Controlled Substances Regulations Webpage

New Controlled Substances Regulations

Health Canada’s new federal Controlled Substances Regulations took effect on October 1, 2026.  

The Controlled Substances Regulations replace existing regulations under The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, creating a single modernized framework for regulating controlled substances. 

Some but not all changes introduced by the Controlled Substances Regulations applies to pharmacy practice in Manitoba. Limitations in provincial legislation restrict the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba (CPhM) in what provisions may be implemented from the federal Controlled Substances Regulation as it relates to pharmacy practice in Manitoba. 

Key Changes to Practice After October 1, 2026 

Key Changes for Pharmacists  

  1. Pharmacists may issue a continued care prescription for a controlled substance* not covered by the Manitoba Prescribing Practice Program (M3P) if the expiration date of the continued care prescription is within two years of the date the original prescription was received and the requirements of section 122 of the Pharmaceutical Regulation are met. 
  2. Pharmacists may receive a verbal order directly from an authorized prescriber, if permitted by their legislation, for a controlled substance not covered by the M3P.  
  3. Pharmacists may send and receive a prescription transfer for any controlled substance if it is within two years of the day on which the original prescription was received.   

*Per section 122(3)(b) of the Pharmaceutical Regulation, a continued care prescription for a benzodiazepine can only be issued if the benzodiazepine is used to manage a convulsive disorder, or there is a serious risk of seizure due to sudden withdrawal.

Key Changes for Pharmacy Technicians  

**All tasks of pharmacy technicians remain under the supervision and accountability of the pharmacist based on limitations of the provincial legislation.

  1. Pharmacy technicians may receive controlled substance inventory.**
  2. Pharmacy technicians may destroy controlled substances at the pharmacy if the destruction is witnessed by a pharmacist, another pharmacy technician, pharmacy intern, practitioner, or other health professional as defined by Health Canada. **
  3. A pharmacy technician may receive verbal instructions directly from an authorized prescriber to refill an existing prescription as previously prescribed without any changes for a controlled substance not covered by the M3P.**

Key Changes for Pharmacies  

  1. A pharmacist may sell or provide a controlled substance to another pharmacist to fill a prescription outside of an emergency without the pharmacy needing a federal dealer’s license. This includes central fill activities. The requirements of subsection 93 of the Controlled Substances Regulation and   the Central Fill Practice Direction (when engaging in central fill) must be followed. 
  2. A compounding pharmacy may provide a controlled substance compound to another pharmacy outside of an emergency to fill a prescription without needing a federal dealer’s license as long as this aligns with Health Canada’s Policy on Manufacturing and Compounding Drug Products in Canada (Policy 51) or a central fill agreement. The requirements of subsection 99 of the Controlled Substances Regulation and Policy 51 or the CPhM Central Fill Practice Direction must be followed.  

Next Steps  

CPhM is continuing to review the Controlled Substances Regulations and Manitoba’s provincial legislation governing pharmacy practice. 

Practice directions and related resources will continue to be updated to align with the Controlled Substances Regulations.  

Updates and key information will be provided as soon as available in the biweekly Friday Five publication or other CPhM communication channels. This webpage will be updated as more information becomes available.  

Resources 

Frequently Asked Questions 

 

Where can I get more information about the Controlled Substances Regulations?

Health Canada has issued a guidance document to provide clarity on the Controlled Substances Regulations. 

 

In addition to the guidance document, Health Canada is offering information sessions on the Controlled Substances Regulations. These sessions are intended for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians working in a community pharmacy setting. To register for and view an information session, offered in both English and French, visit Health Canada Information Sessions on Controlled Substances Regulations | College of Pharmacists of Manitoba  

Where do I send my Controlled Substances Regulations related questions?

For Controlled Substances Regulations related questions (e.g., regulatory changes): csd.regulatory.policy-politique.reglementaire.dsc@hc-sc.gc.ca

 

For questions related to the compliance promotion presentations: CSP-Inspections-PSC@hc-sc.gc.ca

 

For guidance document and interpretation related questions: compliance-conformite@hc-sc.gc.ca

Why don’t all aspects of the Controlled Substances Regulations apply to Manitoba pharmacy professionals?  

While the Controlled Substances Regulations are federal, some authorities require enabling provincial legislation or are restricted by existing provincial legislation.  

Can a pharmacist perform a therapeutic substitution for a controlled substance?

No. Although an amendment to The Pharmaceutical Act, received royal assent the spring of 2026, the provisions related to pharmacist therapeutic substitution outside of a hospital setting are not yet in force, as they require regulations to be developed. These regulations are still in-progress. 

Can a pharmacy technician transfer a prescription for a controlled substance?

No. Provincial legislation only permits a pharmacist to send or receive a prescription transfer.  

Can a pharmacy technician order a controlled substance?

No. Only a pharmacist can order a controlled substance. While a pharmacy technician can assist in the ordering process, orders must be ultimately approved by a pharmacist. A pharmacist cannot share their controlled substance ordering credentials/passwords with others. 

Can a pharmacist receive a verbal prescription for a drug covered by the M3P if it is for a patient in a hospital or a resident of a personal care home?

Yes.

Are pharmacy professionals required to notify Health Canada about moving or selling their controlled substance inventory due to a permanent pharmacy closure?

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. 

My pharmacy has an excess of a controlled substance; can I sell the controlled substance to another pharmacy?

The Controlled Substances Regulations permit a pharmacist to sell or provide controlled substances to another pharmacist outside of emergency circumstances in order to fill a prescription or transfer stock when a pharmacy permanently closes. Pharmacists are not permitted to sell or provide controlled substances to another pharmacist for routine stock management or in anticipation of a prescription. This type of activity is not the practice of pharmacy and still requires that the pharmacy holds a federal dealer’s licence.  

Can a pharmacist adapt a prescription for a controlled substance?

A pharmacist can adapt a prescription for a controlled substance not covered by the M3P as long as the requirements of the CPhM Adaptation of a Prescription Practice Direction are followed. Due to limitations in the Pharmaceutical Regulation relating to the M3P, a pharmacist cannot adapt a prescription for a controlled substance covered by the M3P.

Can a pharmacist administer a controlled substance?

Health Canada has issued a subsection 56(1) class exemption to enable pharmacists to administer controlled substances, other than restricted drugs, to a patient over the age of five years, pursuant to a prescription from an authorized practitioner. The administration of controlled substances must comply with the terms and conditions outlined in the exemption.

To administer a controlled substance by injection the pharmacist must have authorization to administer drugs and vaccines by injection from the College of Pharmacists of Manitoba. Pharmacists administering a drug or vaccine must also follow the Practice Direction: Administration of Drugs including Vaccines and any other relevant practice directions or guidelines where applicable such as the Guidance on the Administration of Sublocade by a Pharmacist.

 

Information on applying for authorization to administer a drug or vaccine by injection can be found on the CPhM website.

Can pharmacy technicians sign for received controlled substances on a pharmacy supplier’s website?

Health Canada has advised CPhM that pharmacy technicians are not able to create controlled substance accounts with wholesalers. All orders made from wholesalers require the pharmacist to have the credentials set up to place orders and sign off on the receipt. Pharmacists are not allowed to share their credentials with anyone else. The CSR does allow the pharmacy technician to document the receipt of the controlled substances at the pharmacy within the pharmacy records, but they are not able to sign off with the wholesalers.