Is Zolpidem legal in Canada?
- Legal status
- Zolpidem is a controlled targeted substance in Canada, listed as a Class 1 targeted substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Benzodiazepines and Other Targeted Substances Regulations, consistent with its 1971 Convention Schedule IV status.
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised trafficking, export or production of this targeted-substance hypnotic is an offence under the CDSA; possession of a lawfully prescribed personal supply is permitted.
- If prescribed or medical
- Zolpidem is prescribed short-term for insomnia as a targeted substance subject to pharmacy record-keeping controls.
- Documentation
- A resident or visitor may carry up to a 90-day supply of prescribed zolpidem when travelling into Canada with a prescription or covering label.
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 →