Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)

The researcher is required to maintain records with respect to his/her possession and use of the controlled substance in accordance with the applicable regulations. The researcher shall furnish such information respecting such controlled substances as the Minister may requires and shall permit access to the records required to be kept by these Regulations. Specifically, the researcher must keep and retain for a period of two years from the making of such record, the following information:

• the kind, date and quantity of any controlled substance purchased or received;
• the name and address of the person from whom the controlled substance was received; and particulars of the use to which the controlled substance was put.

The researcher is responsible for the destruction of any unused or expired controlled substance. The destruction must be witnessed by a member of his/her research staff who is working on the same research project as specified in the exemption, and who works under the researcher’s direction and control. The method of destruction used must alter or denature the controlled substance in such a way as to make it non-recoverable and thus make their consumption improbable or impossible. The researcher is required to keep and retain for a period of two years from the date of the making of the record, the following information:

• the name, strength per unit, and quantity of any controlled substance to be destroyed;
• the date of destruction; and
• the reason for destruction.

Immediately following the destruction, the researcher and the witness are required to sign and print their names on a joint statement indicating that they witnessed the destruction and that the controlled substance destroyed has been altered or denatured to such an extent that its consumption has been rendered impossible or improbable.

The researcher shall make such records available to the Minister or an inspector upon request.