Canada Tightens Controls on Muscle Relaxant Amid Global Illicit Drug Concerns

OTTAWA, ON – November 19, 2025

Proactive Measures to Combat Emerging Drug Threat

Health Canada announced today that permanent controls on carisoprodol, a sedative muscle relaxant not authorized for sale in Canada, will come into effect on December 19, 2025. This follows the implementation of temporary controls earlier this year and represents a proactive step to prevent the illegal importation, distribution, and use of the drug, which has been increasingly appearing in illicit drug markets worldwide. The move underscores Canada’s commitment to bolstering border security and addressing evolving threats in the international drug landscape.

“We are taking decisive action to prevent this substance from becoming a public health issue in Canada,” stated a spokesperson for Health Canada. “These regulations demonstrate our commitment to protecting Canadians from the harms associated with illicit drugs.”

Global Concerns and Rising Misuse

Carisoprodol, while not approved for sale in Canada or the European Union, has a complex regulatory history. Once widely prescribed in the United States for short-term muscle pain relief, it was reclassified as a Schedule IV controlled substance in 2012 due to concerns about its abuse potential and addictive properties. Despite this, illicit use continues, often in combination with other dangerous substances.

Recent reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) highlight a significant increase in the global incidence of carisoprodol misuse. The WHO’s pre-review report from October 2023 detailed an alarming rise in incidents, from 45 cases before March 2021 to a staggering 2416 between January 2022 and March 2023, spanning 23 countries and territories. This surge is linked to the drug’s potentiating effects when combined with opioids, increasing the risk of overdose and adverse health outcomes.

“The combination of carisoprodol with other substances, particularly opioids, is particularly concerning,” explained a forensic toxicology expert. “It significantly amplifies the depressive effects on the central nervous system, increasing the risk of respiratory failure and death.”

Canada’s Response and Border Security

The implementation of temporary controls earlier this year proved effective in intercepting illegal shipments of carisoprodol attempting to enter Canada. This success, coupled with the growing international concerns, prompted Health Canada to enact permanent regulations. The new controls, which amend the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations, will provide law enforcement and border officials with the necessary tools to prevent illicit importation and distribution.

“These regulations send a clear message to organized crime that Canada will not tolerate the illegal trafficking of harmful substances,” stated a spokesperson for the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). “We are committed to strengthening border security and protecting Canadian communities.”

The CBSA has reported a noticeable increase in attempted importations of carisoprodol from countries where it remains available, often concealed within legitimate shipments. The new regulations will empower CBSA officers to more effectively identify and intercept these illicit shipments.

Experts suggest that the rise in carisoprodol trafficking is likely driven by demand in other illicit drug markets. Reports indicate that the drug is often combined with tapentadol, a synthetic opioid, creating a dangerous and addictive combination. This combination has contributed to public health crises in West African countries, prompting authorities to crack down on illegal production and trafficking.

“We are seeing a pattern of organized crime groups exploiting regulatory loopholes in different countries to traffic illicit drugs,” explained a drug policy analyst. “It’s crucial for international cooperation to effectively address this challenge.”

These proactive measures align with Canada’s broader commitment to combating the illegal drug trade, outlined in the Canada’s Border Plan. The plan focuses on strengthening border security, disrupting criminal organizations, and reducing the demand for illicit drugs. The permanent controls on carisoprodol represent a significant step forward in achieving these objectives.

“Canada is committed to working with international partners to address the global drug crisis,” stated a representative from Health Canada. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and adapt our strategies as needed.”