D19-9-2, Importation and Exportation of Cannabis, Controlled Substances and Precursors
The Cannabis Act and its regulations (not pertaining to police enforcement) are administered by Health Canada, and establish a legislative framework to provide restricted access to cannabis and control its production, distribution, sale, import, export and possession. Under the Cannabis Act, it is illegal to import into Canada, or export from Canada, cannabis without a valid permit or exemption, issued by Health Canada. The illegal importation and exportation of cannabis is a serious offence.
The Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and its regulations are administered by Health Canada, and establish a legislative framework that regulates the possession, import, export, production, assembly, distribution, sale, transport, provision, sending and delivery of controlled substances and precursors that can be used in the manufacture of illegal drugs. All activities are prohibited unless authorized by the Act, regulation or exemption. The various regulations under the CDSA set out the circumstances under which legitimate activities with controlled substances and precursors are permitted.
For the purposes of this memorandum, unless otherwise specified, the term “controlled substance†refers to the substances listed in Schedules I to V to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act including narcotics, restricted drugs, controlled drugs, benzodiazepines, and targeted substances. The term “precursor†refers to any of the substances that are listed in Schedule VI to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.
This memorandum outlines the regulatory requirements pertaining to the importation and exportation of cannabis, controlled substances and precursors. It also provides general information on cannabis and some controlled substances of interest, and appropriate contact information that CBSA personnel can use to obtain additional information on issues pertaining to the import or export of cannabis, controlled substances and precursors.