Is it Legal to Buy Prescription Drugs From Canada? What to Know

Americans spend billions of dollars each year on prescription medications. Wouldn't it be great if there was a way to save money on the medicine we use every day?

Well, there's some good news and bad news.

The good news is that you can absolutely save on prescription medicine! The bad news is...well, let's just say it's complicated.

If you're wondering 'is it legal to buy prescription drugs from Canada?' you've come to the right place. Keep reading to find out!

Why Canada?

That's a fair question. After all, the world is a big place, so why buy from our northern neighbors?

Like with most things in life, it all comes down to price.

Canada has strict regulations on what companies can charge for prescription medications. In comparison, the United States doesn't have these laws, meaning prescription costs can skyrocket without any warning whatsoever.

According to WebMD, buying medicine in Toronto is up to 55% more affordable than buying the same medicine in New York, meaning it's easier and more affordable to purchase potentially life-saving medicine.

Is It Legal to Buy Prescription Drugs From Canada?

Attainability only matters if it's legal, though. And the laws regarding the purchasing and importing of prescription meds is a serious legal grey area.

Under the Prescription Drug Marketing Act of 1987, it's illegal for anyone aside from the manufacturer to bring prescription medication into the United States.

While that may sound simple enough, the Internet muddied the waters significantly. The stance of the U.S. government hasn't changed much, although they do allow for discretionary enforcement.

That means that while it's illegal to buy meds from Canada and have them shipped to your home in the U.S., the government isn't necessarily going to prosecute you for doing so.

Make no mistake though, it is against the law and can land you in some hot water.

Play It Safe: Finding the Right Pharmacy

Given the extreme price differences, you may feel like risking it and ordering your medication from Canada anyway. While we can't recommend doing so, you should at least be safe if you're ordering online.

Always make sure you're buying from a trusted and verifiable source. There are plenty of black market pharmacies online that get their meds from illegal sources. In other cases, these sites are little more than fronts to steal your information.

Only buy from sites that require a valid prescription. Notice how Pricepro Pharmacy's website has this listed on their 'how to order' page.

As a general rule, if something seems too good to be true, it usually is. Be wary of sites offering free meds or outlandish discounts.

Oh, Canada!: What to Know About Buying Prescription Meds Online

So, is it legal to buy prescription drugs from Canada? Unfortunately, no, but that doesn't guarantee you'll get in trouble.

We have to state once more than it is technically illegal for a U.S. citizen to bring in prescription meds from any other nation -- Canada or otherwise.

While their prices are undeniably better, you're safer finding a local pharmacy or browsing drug manufacturers' sites for coupons.

For more info on how you can save money and live a healthy life, make sure to check back with our blog!