New Requirement for Research Involving the Use of Controlled Substances

(2010-07-15) In Canada, research involving the use of controlled substances requires an exemption from Section 56 of the "Controlled Drugs and Substances Act". Effective July 15, 2010, Nominated Principal Applicants whose funded application is subject to this Act are required to obtain an exemption from Health Canada before funds will be released to the institution or researcher. This condition must be met within one year of the funding decision date or the grant will be cancelled.

Section 56 of the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act states that a

"Minister may, on such terms and conditions as the Minister deems necessary, exempt any person or class of persons or any controlled substance or precursor or any class thereof from the application of all or any of the provisions of the Act or the regulations if, in the opinion of the Minister, the exemption is necessary for a medical or scientific purpose or is otherwise in the public interest."

A question will be added on the application forms on ResearchNet in December 2010 asking applicants if their research application is subject to Section 56. Applications which may be, or are subject to the Act, will still be assessed by peer review and approved by Scientific Council according to established CIHR procedures; however, the results of the application will not be announced publicly nor will any funding be forwarded to the institution or researcher until CIHR receives a copy of the written exemption from Health Canada.

For CIHR's policy on pending grants and awards, consult the subsection titled "Pending Grants and Awards" in the CIHR Grants and Awards Guide.