Office of Controlled Substances

The Office of Controlled Substances (OCS) works to ensure that drugs and controlled substances are not diverted for illegal use. This involves developing legislation, regulations, policies and operations that support the control of illicit drugs and other substances.

Activities in this area include:

• licencing manufacturers and distributors of drugs and controlled substances and issuing import/export permits when necessary, to manage and track the movement of drugs and controlled substances across the Canadian border;
• authorizing the disposal of illegal drugs that have been discovered or seized;
• licencing individuals and companies to undertake activities under the Industrial Hemp Regulations;
• managing an exemption process that allows individuals with legitimate scientific or medical reasons to possess a controlled substance; and
• working with other groups such as the law enforcement community to address compliance issues.