Recently, Health Canada has announced plans to establish a regulatory framework that would allow CBD (cannabidiol) products to be sold over the counter without a prescription.
Although Canada is currently the largest country in the world with legalized adult-use cannabis, since 2018, CBD and all other phytocannabinoids have been listed on the Prescription Drug List (PDL) by Canadian regulators, requiring consumers to obtain a prescription to purchase CBD products.
Given that CBD—a cannabinoid naturally present in legal adult-use cannabis—has been subject to this contradictory status due to the lack of sufficient scientific evidence at the time regarding its safety and efficacy, the proposed changes aim to address this inconsistency.
On March 7, 2025, Health Canada launched a public consultation to include CBD under the existing Natural Health Product (NHP) framework, allowing CBD products to be legally purchased without a prescription. The consultation, which began on March 7, 2025, is seeking feedback from the public and stakeholders and will close on June 5, 2025.
The proposed framework seeks to expand access to non-prescription CBD products while maintaining stringent safety, efficacy, and quality standards. If adopted, these changes could reshape CBD compliance and licensing requirements for businesses across Canada.
The consultation focuses on the following key points:
• CBD as a Natural Health Product Ingredient– Amending the ”Natural Health Products Regulations” to permit the use of CBD for minor health conditions.
• Veterinary CBD Products – Regulating non-prescription veterinary CBD products under the ”Food and Drug Regulations for Animal Health”.
• Product Classification – Determining, based on scientific evidence, whether CBD should remain prescription-only or be available as a natural health product.
• Harmonization with the ”Cannabis Act” – Ensuring regulatory consistency for CBD products under both the ”Food and Drugs Ac” and the ”Cannabis Act”.
• Reducing Licensing Burdens – Considering whether to eliminate cannabis drug and research licensing requirements for businesses handling CBD exclusively.
These changes would regulate CBD products similarly to other over-the-counter medicinal ingredients, making them more accessible while upholding strict safety and efficacy standards.
For CBD product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors, if CBD is incorporated into this regulatory framework, companies could launch over-the-counter CBD health products in compliance with Health Canada’s standards. However, businesses must ensure their products meet relevant safety, efficacy, and quality requirements.
The new framework may also introduce labeling and marketing restrictions, limiting product claims, ingredient disclosures, and advertising. Additionally, Canada’s international treaty obligations could influence CBD import and export policies, impacting businesses with global operations.
Post time: Mar-26-2025