Health Canada is conducting a public consultation on CBD regulations for natural health products, exploring a pathway to allow non-prescription CBD products under the Natural Health Products Regulations (NHPR). This consultation opened on March 7, 2025, and will close on June 5, 2025.
The proposed framework aims to expand access to non-prescription CBD products while maintaining strict safety, efficacy, and quality standards. If adopted, these changes could reshape CBD compliance and licensing requirements for businesses across Canada.
Key changes under review
The consultation focuses on several regulatory updates that would impact CBD regulations for natural health products, including:
- CBD as an NHP ingredient – Amending the Natural Health Products Regulations to allow CBD for treating minor ailments.
- Veterinary CBD products – Regulating non-prescription veterinary drugs under the Food and Drug Regulations for animal health.
- Product classification – Determining if CBD should remain prescription-only or be available as an NHP based on scientific evidence.
- Harmonization with the Cannabis Act – Ensuring regulatory consistency between the Food and Drugs Act and the Cannabis Act for CBD products.
- Reducing licensing burdens – Considering whether cannabis drug and research licensing requirements should be removed for businesses handling only CBD.
These changes could allow CBD health products to be regulated like other non-prescription medicinal ingredients, making them more accessible while maintaining strict safety and efficacy standards.
Why this matters for businesses
These regulatory changes could significantly impact CBD product manufacturers, retailers, and distributors. If CBD is included in the NHP framework, companies may be able to introduce non-prescription CBD health products in compliance with Health Canada’s standards. However, businesses must ensure their products meet NHP safety, efficacy, and quality requirements.
New guidelines may also introduce labeling and marketing restrictions, limiting product claims, ingredient disclosures, and advertising. Additionally, Canada’s international treaty obligations could influence CBD import and export policies, affecting businesses with global operations.
Who should participate in the consultation?
Health Canada is seeking feedback from:
- CBD manufacturers and retailers
- Healthcare professionals, including veterinarians
- Researchers and academic institutions
- Indigenous organizations
- Animal welfare groups
- Consumer advocacy organizations
- Members of the public
Businesses involved in CBD product development should take this opportunity to provide input on how Health Canada shapes future regulations.
How to submit feedback
This public consultation is open from March 7, 2025, to June 5, 2025. Stakeholders can submit their input by reviewing the discussion paper and responding to Health Canada’s consultation questions.
- Review the Discussion Paper – Read Towards a Pathway for Health Products Containing Cannabidiol for details on the proposed regulatory framework.
- Consider the discussion questions – Health Canada has outlined key topics such as CBD classification, NHP safety standards, and compliance requirements.
- Submit feedback before June 5, 2025 – Businesses and stakeholders can share comments through the online feedback form or email nnhpd.consultation-dpsnso@hc-sc.gc.ca.
All submissions will be reviewed as part of Health Canada’s policy development process.
What businesses should do next
With CBD regulations for natural health products under review, businesses should take proactive steps to prepare for potential changes. Key actions include reviewing product formulations, adjusting licensing and labeling, and monitoring regulatory updates,
Navigating CBD regulatory changes can be complex. At Quality Smart Solutions, we provide compliance consulting, product registration services, and regulatory audits to help businesses meet Health Canada’s evolving CBD requirements.
For expert guidance, fill out the form below or contact us.
