Is Xanax (Alprazolam) legal in Canada?
- Legal status
- Alprazolam is a Schedule IV controlled substance (Controlled Drugs and Substances Act) and a 'targeted substance' under the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations (SOR/2000-217).
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession is an offence; trafficking up to 3 years on indictment.
- If prescribed or medical
- Prescribed as a Schedule IV targeted benzodiazepine medicine.
- Documentation
- Import/export the lesser of a single course of treatment or a 90-day supply; declare it and keep it in the original labelled container with your prescription (s.56 exemption).
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Canada’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →