According to regulations, which of the following is not considered a controlled drug?

Nutritional supplements are not classified as controlled drugs under Canadian regulations, including those relevant to pharmacy practice in Nova Scotia. Controlled drugs are substances that have specific regulations due to their potential for abuse, addiction, or health risks, often including drugs that can significantly impact the body’s functioning or have high abuse potential.

Anabolic steroids, ephedrine, and cocaine, on the other hand, fall under this controlled category due to their significant implications on health and well-being, as well as their potential for misuse. Anabolic steroids are synthetic variations of testosterone with various legal restrictions, ephedrine can have stimulant effects and is regulated due to potential misuse, and cocaine is a well-known illegal substance with severe legal restrictions. The distinction lies in the regulation surrounding their use, distribution, and prescription requirements. Nutritional supplements, which are generally used to support dietary needs without the same level of risk, do not require the same stringent controls and therefore are not classified as controlled drugs.