Practical insights for regulated businesses.

Legal updates, regulatory guidance and practical perspectives for businesses operating in complex industries.

  • Food-Related Blog Posts

    What is DineSafe Toronto?

    The City of Toronto’s Food Premises Inspection Program Municipal Authority Over Food Establishments The City of Toronto, through its municipal by-laws, holds the primary authority to regulate food establishments operating within its boundaries. This authority is exercised to protect public health and safety. These municipal regulations work in conjunction with provincial laws, creating a layered…

  • Health Canada-Related Blog Posts

    How To Get an NHP Site Licence

    Licence Requirements to Import, Manufacture, Package or Store Natural Health Products in Canada Purpose and Scope of a Site Licence A Site Licence is a mandatory authorization from Health Canada, specifically the Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD), for any facility involved in the handling of Natural Health Products (NHPs) within Canada. This licence…

  • Food-Related Blog Posts

    NHP vs Food – What Is My Product?

    Understanding the Regulatory Landscape: Food Versus Natural Health Product Foods Under the Food and Drugs Act and Food and Drug Regulations In Canada, conventional foods are primarily governed by the Food and Drugs Act and its associated Food and Drug Regulations. These regulations outline the standards for safety, labelling, and composition for products intended for consumption as part…

  • Contracts-Related Blog Posts

    10 Clauses To Include In A Commercial Contract To Protect You

    Know Just Some Of The Provisions To Put In Your Company’s Agreements To Protect Its Interests 1. Payment Terms When you’re setting up a business deal, getting the payment terms right is pretty important. It’s not just about the total amount; it’s about when and how that money changes hands. Clear payment terms prevent a lot of headaches down…

  • Health Canada-Related Blog Posts

    How To Get A Natural Product Number (NPN)

    Understanding the Natural Product Number (NPN) Framework Definition and Purpose of a Natural Product Number (NPN) A Natural Product Number, or NPN, is a unique eight-digit identifier assigned by Health Canada. This number signifies that a natural health product (NHP) has successfully passed Health Canada’s pre-market assessment for safety, efficacy, and quality. Essentially, an NPN confirms…

  • Corporate Law-Related Blog Posts

    What Documents Should Be In a Corporate Minute Book?

    Basics of the Corporate Minute Book Definition and Purpose of a Minute Book A corporate minute book is essentially the official diary of a company. It’s a collection of all the vital legal and governance documents that chart the corporation’s journey from its inception to its current operations. Think of it as the company’s memory,…

  • FINTRAC-Related Blog Posts

    FINTRAC Voluntary Self-Declaration of Non-Compliance

    Voluntary Self-Declaration of Non-Compliance Framework for MSBs and Other FINTRAC Reporting Entities (VSDONC) Purpose and Rationale of VSDONC The Voluntary Self-Declaration of Non-Compliance (VSDONC) is a mechanism that allows reporting entities to proactively inform FINTRAC about instances where they have not met certain regulatory obligations. This process is designed to encourage a culture of compliance by…

  • Drugs-Related Blog Posts

    Are Peptides Legal in Canada?

    And Can You Start A Peptides Company in Canada? Whether you are an individual wondering whether peptides are legal in Canada or a business considering entering the Canadian peptide industry, the answer depends heavily on the activity involved. For individuals, the Food and Drugs Act generally regulates activities such as manufacturing, importing, packaging, labelling, advertising,…

  • Drugs-Related Blog Posts

    Getting DMT Legal Exemption on Religious Grounds in Canada

    Learn About DMT and its Legal Status in Canada In Canada, the substance N,N-Dimethyltryptamine, commonly known as DMT, is classified as a controlled substance under the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). This classification means that most activities involving DMT, including its possession, production, and distribution, are illegal unless specifically authorized by the Minister…

FAQ

Your Question Answered.

Have questions about Substance Law? Here are some of the most common queries to help you get started.

  • Timelines depend on the licence type, how complete the application is and the regulator’s current processing times. We prepare the application and supporting documents so the review runs smoothly, and we give you a realistic timeline at the start.

  • It depends on the services you provide. Money services businesses register with FINTRAC, and payment service providers performing retail payment activities register with the Bank of Canada under the RPAA. Some businesses need both; we review your model and tell you which apply.

  • In many cases, yes. A transfer is approved by the provincial regulator and depends on the licence conditions, the premises and the buyer’s eligibility. We handle the filings and coordinate with the other side of the deal.

  • It depends on the product, its claims and how it is sold. Some products are regulated as drugs or natural health products by Health Canada. We review the product and the sales model and explain what is permitted.

  • Yes. We advise clients across Canada on federal and provincial regulatory matters, and we coordinate with local counsel where a provincial rule requires it.

  • We always strive to offer our clients transparent, flexible and reasonable pricing and payment options. Where the scope of the engagement permits, we try to offer our clients innovative, fixed-fee pricing options instead of traditional hourly rates, and payment through EFT, Wire, E-transfer, and Credit/Debit Card.

Service areas / Jurisdiction

Ontario-Based.
Canada-Wide Expertise.

We advise clients across Ontario and throughout Canada on regulatory, licensing and compliance matters in cannabis, psychedelics and other regulated industries.

  • AGCO Licensing

    Cannabis retail, consumption and related licensing

  • Municipal Licences

    Zoning, land use and local approvals

  • Smoke-Free Ontario Act

    Compliance and enforcement matters

  • Federal Licensing

    Health Canada, Canada-wide regulatory matters

  • Excise and Tax

    CRA, excise, FINTRAC and related requirements

  • Other Regulated Industries

    Psychedelics, hemp, wellness and emerging sectors

Our Offices

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10 King Street East, Suite 600

Toronto, ON M5C 1C3

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Office hours

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+1 647-371-0032

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    Canada's Law Firm For Regulated Substances