Ottawa – Today, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced that the Canadian Government plans to regulate MDPV, a key ingredient in the illicit drug referred to as “bath salts”, under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA).
“Protecting all Canadians and our young people, in particular, from the ravages of so-called ‘bath salts’ is an important step for Health Canada to take in fulfilling its mandate,” said MP Laurie Hawn.
The so-called “bath salts” earned their name because they look like bath salts sold in mainstream drug stores. However, unlike legitimate bath salts, these stimulants can cause psychotic episodes and dangerous behaviour. Recent media reports have linked the use of “bath salts” to violence causing harm. Recent media reports have also indicated that the drug is starting to make a foothold in Edmonton as well.
“I am pleased that our government is taking proactive action to criminalize the possession and trafficking of this dangerous drug, especially before it gains too much traction in our city. We want to stop this before it happens,” added MP Hawn.
Health Canada will post its intent to make MDPV illegal in Canada Gazette, Part I, on June 9, 2012. The intent is to put MDPV on Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, in the same category as heroin and cocaine. The public will have until July 10, 2012 to comment on this plan. Unless dramatic new evidence comes to light, this drug is expected to be illegal this fall.
“I applaud the cooperative effort of our health and enforcement organizations in taking this decisive action to ensure the health and welfare of Canadians,” concluded MP Hawn.
For further information on “bath salts” and the risks associated with its use, please see the drug alert on “bath salts” prepared by Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse in partnership with the Canadian Community Epidemiology Network on Drug Use (CCENDU).