No. Salvia divinorum is not explicitly prohibited federally in Canada, but its psychoactive compound, salvinorin A, is regulated under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act as a controlled substance analog. Health Canada’s 2023 interim guidance classifies it as a “designer drug,” enabling enforcement under existing drug laws. Provincial bans (e.g., Alberta, Manitoba) further restrict sale, possession, or distribution, with penalties varying by jurisdiction.
Key Regulations for Salvia Divinorum in Canada
- Federal Status: Health Canada’s Food and Drug Regulations and the CDSA treat salvinorin A as a controlled substance analog, allowing prosecution for possession or trafficking under Section 5(1) of the CDSA.
- Provincial Bans: Alberta and Manitoba explicitly prohibit salvia divinorum via provincial drug schedules (e.g., Pharmacy and Drug Act in Alberta), with fines up to $100,000 or imprisonment for violations.
- 2026 Compliance Shift: Health Canada’s upcoming Narcotic Control Regulations amendments will likely formalize salvia divinorum’s status, aligning it with Schedule I substances, pending parliamentary approval.