In response to what it has dubbed the “national opioid crisis,” Health Canada is planning to restrict six chemicals used to make fentanyl.
According to Health Minister Jane Philpott, if passed, Bill S-225 will allow the federal government to quickly bring this change about. Put forward by Senator Vern White, a former Ottawa police chief, the bill proposes to add these chemicals to the Controlled Drugs and Substances act. This will subject the previously unregulated drugs to the same controls as cocaine, heroin or other illegal drugs.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s 100 times more potent than morphine. Usually, its prescribed in a patch form to treat chronic pain. However, it is now commonly cut into other street drugs—including heroin, oxycontin and methamphetamine—to make them more potent. Unfortunately, an amount the size of two grains of salt is enough to kill a healthy adult.
The Health Minister adds that she is planning a summit to address the growing issue—which has seen its worst effects in B.C. and Ontario—later this fall.
