Section 56 is a specific section in the Canadian Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, or CDSA, that gives the Minister of Health in Canada the power to provide exemptions to this act to certain individuals if he or she believes that a specific substance is required for a scientific or medical purpose. The minister can also provide an exemption if he or she believes that the exemption is in the interest of the public. For example, some individuals might be granted permission to take psychedelic drugs that are covered by the CDSA if they can prove to the minister that the substance would help them recover from a serious condition. These cases are often put before the minister in conjunction with a trained and experienced medical professional.
If you or someone you know is in immediate distress or is thinking about hurting themselves, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free: Call:1-800-273-TALK (8255) Text: HELLO to 741741
