Dr. Mike Jansen
Dr. Mike JansenCurious about where to buy ecdysterone in Canada?
Do you wonder if ecdysteorne is legal in Canada, or a banned substance?
Then you’ve come to the right place. In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know about purchasing ecdysterone in Canada.
We also answer your most important questions, including:
- What is ecdysterone?
- What are the benefits of ecdysterone?
- Where can I buy ecdysterone in Canada?
- What are the best ecdysterone vendors in Canada?
…And much more!
With that in mind, we’ve put together this detailed guide to inform you on how to buy one of the most popular natural bodybuilding supplements online.
We also talk about the most reputable online supplement vendors who ship to, as well as which ones you should avoid.
Don’t worry – all the info you need on how to buy real ecdysterone supplements in Canada is right here. It’s as easy as Wayne Gretzky scoring a hat trick.
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What is Ecdysterone?
Humans produce hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
What may surprise you is that plants also produce a number of hormones that are quite similar to our own!
With that said, it’s easy to see why ecdysterone, or 20-beta-hydroxyecdysterone, has been labeled as ‘the plant steroid’. It’s a naturally-occurring compound typically found in plants, such as spinach and quinoa, with the purpose of warding off insect pests.
Interestingly enough, ecdysterone is one of over 200 plant hormones called phytoecdysteroids that have been isolated [1].
What sets it apart from most of them, though, is that it has a very similar structure to testosterone.
Apart from plants, ecdysterone has also been found in arthropods – insects with an exoskeleton, like scorpions – to regulate their molting and reproduction [2]. Hence the prefix ‘ecdy’, which refers to ecdysis – the process of molting.
Don’t get confused, though.
After seeing reports in the mainstream media, it’s possible that some might be asking…
Is Ecdysterone A Steroid?
Simply put – no, ecdysterone is not an anabolic steroid like trenbolone or clenbuterol [3].
There are a few reasons for this, one of them being that ecdysterone does not affect the endocrine system in humans.
In other words, whereas using anabolic steroids can cause testosterone to spike and then fall drastically, ecdysterone does not stimulate any sort of change in hormonal levels [4].
However, according to research conducted in Russia since the 1970s, it’s been discovered that ecdysterone can cause anabolic effects comparable to steroids like dianabol [5, 6].
More specifically, researchers in the former Soviet Union analyzed the effects of an ecdysterone extract from the plant Rhaponticum Carthamoides, which has been used for centuries as a tonic against physical and mental fatigue, and decreased endurance.
They found that the extract had adaptogenic characteristics, which yielded increased endurance and reduced fatigue in animals [7].
Since it’s a naturally-occurring compound, it is often marketed as being a safe alternative to synthetic steroids [8].
In fact, a study even showed that ecdysterone can actually have stronger effects in terms of increasing muscle mass and stamina than more commonly used synthetic steroids [8].
In fact, a study on ecdysterone conducted by German scientists in 2019, and funded by WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency), actually resulted in the recommendation that ecdysterone be added to their list of banned substances, since the performance enhancing effects of ecdysterone were found to be so significant [9].
Although it hasn’t been banned outright yet, WADA has placed it on their monitoring list, which means that ecdysterone may not actually be permitted for use in professional sports soon, and may also not be available for consumption by the public.
Ecdysterone Side Effects and Safety Concerns
Before taking any sort of supplement, it’s important to inform yourself of any side effects and safety concerns that are associated with it.
If we take a look at anabolic steroids, for instance, a number of studies show direct evidence that a number of harmful side effects can arise if they’re abused.
No matter what substance is being consumed, it’s also key to take into account how long, how much, and what the quality of the substance is.
Side effects from anabolic steroids can be fairly minimal, such as irritability or an increased appetite. Conversely, data has also shown more severe reactions, such as skin rashes, shrinking of the gonads, gynecomastia, high blood pressure, and even permanent liver damage [10].
In comparison, studies conducted on ecdysterone, especially human trials, have indicated practically zero side effects from its usage.
For example, one study was conducted at the end of the academic year – a time known for increased mental and physical workloads from exams, drills, and physical competitions, on 60 army cadets taking ecdysterone.
Researchers noted an improvement in appetite, sleep, and the general physical and mental state, with no side effects at all [7].
A second study showing that ecdysterone has no adverse effects on humans involved male and female subjects in their 50s.
51 subjects participated in a 12-week double-blind placebo study, where half the group took 2 grams of ecdysterone per day. The subjects followed a strict training protocol three times a week, for an hour each time.
The results of this study showed that the group of men and women taking ecdysterone had a notable increase in strength and muscle mass, without any harmful side effects [11].
Overall, Ecdysterone doesn’t reportedly cause the side effects normally seen with anabolic steroid use, which is why it’s presented as a natural steroid alternative. This makes it a viable option for individuals looking to improve athletic performance without endangering their health.
Is Ecdysterone Legal in Canada?
While we aren’t lawyers or legal professionals, our team has searched high and low for relevant information about the legality of ecdysterone in Canada.
You’ve probably been wondering… considering ecdysterone has such powerful effects, is it legal to buy ecdysterone in Canada?
Is ecdysterone treated the same way in Canada as steroids and pro-hormones?
To spare you the suspense, the short answer is that ecdysterone is completely legal in Canada. You can buy, sell, import, and use ecdysterone without having to worry about the authorities knocking on your door.
As we mentioned earlier, ecdysterone falls into a category of compounds called ecdysteroids. If we consult the list of illicit substances in Canada, we find that ecdysteroids are not included anywhere.
You may also be wondering… is ecdysterone a steroid?
While the name of this compound certainly has the potential to confuse people involved in the fitness community, as well as the public at large, things are actually pretty straightforward.
Although ecdysterone belongs to a class of compounds called ecdysteroids, ecdysterone is not treated in the same way as anabolic steroids in Canada.
There are a number of reasons for this.
As was previously mentioned, ecdysterone doesn’t act in the same way on the body as anabolic steroids do, in that it won’t cause hormonal levels to fluctuate and crash once a cycle finishes.
It’s important to keep in mind that scientific information and studies about ecdysterone and other ecdysteroids is still limited, which may be another reason why ecdysterone has yet to be classified by the authorities.
However, even the Canadian Academy of Sports Nutrition has acknowledged that ecdysterone does not produce any adverse side effects, so it’s unlikely that ecdysterone could be declared illegal and added to Canada’s list of scheduled substances [12].
Drug Schedules in Canada
Every country tends to have a list of controlled substances split into categories of how they are regulated.
To further understand how ecdysterone and ecdysteroids are treated in Canada, our team has collected and presented the most relevant information about drug scheduling in Canada in this section.
First off, drug schedules are a way to distinguish and sort drugs, substances, and certain chemicals that are used to make drugs. They are distinct drug categories characterized by medical use and each specific drug’s potential for abuse and dependency.
On a scale of I to III, drugs categorized within Schedule I in Canada show a high risk of psychological and physical dependence.
On the other hand, drugs in Schedule III pose the least amount of risk for abuse [13].
When it comes to drug scheduling in Canada, the National Association of Pharmaceutical Regulatory Authorities endorsed a proposal in 1995 for a national drug scheduling model for each province and territory, with the aim of providing consistent regulations nationwide for the sale of drugs.
This later became the National Drug Schedules Program, which consists of three schedules, or four categories of drugs, established factors for each schedule, a standard process for scheduling, and a National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC) responsible for scheduling recommendations.
Narcotics and controlled substances are not included in the NDS, as they are scheduled according to a different regulatory framework within the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) and under Narcotic Control Regulations.
Which health products can be marketed in Canada, and whether or not they require prescriptions for consumer use, is determined by the Health Products and Food branch of Health Canada – a federal organization.
This list of products includes drugs, medical devices, disinfectants, and sanitizers with disinfectant claims.
If Health Canada doesn’t provide their approval, a drug or drug accessories manufacturer isn’t allowed to sell its products within Canada.
It’s also important to understand how drugs are defined in Canada, as per the National Food and Drugs Act. They are as follows:
- prescription and non-prescription pharmaceuticals;
- biologically-derived products like vaccines, blood derived products, and products produced through biotechnology;
- tissues and organs;
- disinfectants; and
- radiopharmaceuticals.
Of particular note here, when discussing ecdysterone and sports supplements, is that vitamins, mineral supplements and therapeutic herbal products are also considered drugs by the Food and Drugs Act.
However, they are regulated as natural health products under the Natural Health Products Regulations – not as drugs under Food and Drug Regulations.
As can be found on the government of Canada’s website, drug scheduling in Canada is as follows [14]:
Schedule I Drugs
- require a prescription for sale;
- are provided to the public by a pharmacist following diagnosis and professional intervention; and
- are controlled in a regulated environment as defined by provincial pharmacy legislation.
Schedule II Drugs
- do not require a prescription;
- are less strictly regulated than Schedule I Drugs;
- require professional intervention from a pharmacist at point of sale;
- sometimes require a professional referral; and
- are available only from a pharmacist and must be stored where there is no public access or opportunity for patient self-selection.
Schedule III Drugs
- are available without a prescription;
- may pose some risks in some self-selection situations;
- are sold on store shelves under the direct supervision of the pharmacist; and
- are subject to any local professional requirements that increase the degree of control in the professional services area.
We’ve gone over what the different drug schedules in Canada are. Ecdysterone or ecdysteroids don’t seem to appear anywhere.
With that said, by default, ecdysterone must fall into the category of Unscheduled Drugs in Canada.
The laws about unscheduled drugs in Canada state the following:
- They can be sold without professional supervision;
- Vendors must inform the consumer about making a safe and effective choice;
- They must be labeled clearly, with instructions for use;
- They must not be not included in Schedules I, II or III; and
- Unscheduled drugs may be sold from any retail outlet.
Upon reviewing the data, ecdysterone isn’t listed in any category of scheduled substances in Canada, which means there are no restrictions on using, buying, selling, or importing ecdysterone in Canada.
Shipping Ecdysterone to Canada
Since ecdysterone isn’t listed as a scheduled substance in Canada, there are no restrictions on importing ecdysterone.
While there is a possibility that the authorities can seize a package if they suspect it to carry illicit substances, the absolute worst outcome would be that they destroy your package.
Again, since ecdysterone is legal in Canada, there would be no grounds for criminal prosecution if the authorities did happen to inspect your package and contact you about it.
Keep in mind that as of early 2023, when this article was written, there are very few domestic sources for purchasing ecdysterone in Canada.
If your order is international, it may be subject to additional charges for customs sales tax. A vendor cannot declare your order as a gift or with a lower value since this is against the law in Canada.
If your ecdysterone order is stopped by customs and returned to the vendor, they may provide a refund minus shipping and return shipping (if any added) costs when the package arrives back to their facility.
Unfortunately, if a package is destroyed, seized, or held by customs then receiving a refund is not likely.
Where to Buy Ecdysterone Online in Canada
Huge Supplements ecdysterone
This is our top recommendation for an ecdysterone supplement in Canada.
There are several reasons for this. First of all, their products are all produced in accordance with high standards of quality in an FDA-approved facility in the United States.
Based on our experience, Huge Supplements also has excellent customer service.
While other supplement companies tend to be slow in answering their phones and replying to email inquiries, the staff at Huge Supplements was able to get back to us within a reasonable time frame.
As an added benefit, Huge Ecdysterone includes cyclodextrin – a polysaccharide that functions to speed up and enhance absorption of ingested ecdysterone into the body.
We recommend grabbing 3 bottles of Huge Ecdysterone, so that you have enough to complete a proper 12-week cycle.
Huge Supplements
| Our Rating: | 5/5 |
| Quality: | 5/5 |
| Price: | 5/5 |
| Customer Service: | 5/5 |
| Trustworthiness & Accuracy: | 5/5 |
Intelligent Ecdysterone
This supplement is sold at a competitive price point.
At the time this article was written, Intelligent Ecdysterone has over 20 positive reviews from verified customers stating their results.
If you would rather use alternative payment methods, such as with cryptocurrency, they offer the options to pay for your order with Ethereum, Bitcoin, Dash, and Litecoin.
Intelligent Ecdysterone
| Our Rating: | 4.5 / 5 |
| Quality: | 4.5 / 5 |
| Price: | 4.5 / 5 |
| Customer Service: | 5 / 5 |
| Trustworthiness & Accuracy: | 5 / 5 |
S5 Supplement Labs
Our next recommended vendor to buy ecdysterone capsules from is S5 Supplement Labs.
Their ecdysterone is HACCP certified, and also has over 195 reviews at the time this article was written. It’s important to note that it contains 100 capsules dosed at 500 milligrams, which would only be suitable for about 6 weeks of use.
Since they sell through Amazon, you can expect that their customer service and shipping will be fairly reliable.
S5 Supplement Labs Ecdysterone via Amazon.ca
| Our Rating: | 4 / 5 |
| Quality: | 4 / 5 |
| Price: | 5 / 5 |
| Customer Service: | 3 / 5 |
| Trustworthiness & Accuracy: | 4 / 5 |
Click here If you’re interested in learning more about S5 Ecdysterone.
Where to Buy Ecdysterone in Canada | Verdict
In conclusion…
Yes, ecdysterone is 100% legal in Canada.
If you are living in Canada, then you can purchase, possess, and use ecdysterone without worrying about breaking the law.
Most of the confusion surrounding ecdysterone’s status as a naturally sourced supplement originates from it being marketed as a ‘natural steroid alternative. Again, it’s important to point out that ecdysterone is not an anabolic steroid.
Some of the reasons for this, is because it doesn’t bind to androgen receptors in the body, nor does it cause changes in the endocrine system. This is why our team took the time to clear the air around whether ecdysterone is legal or not in Canada.
Interested in purchasing ecdysteorne?
They manufacture their ecdysterone product in FDA-approved facilities, so you know you are getting a quality product that produces results.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up a bottle of Huge Supplements ecdysterone today and watch your gains shoot through the roof!