Subtitle 1 – Definitions
Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.
Balt., Md., Code § 16-101 (2026)
§ 16-101 Definitions.LinkCopy Citation
(a)In general.
In this title, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b)Distribute.
“Distribute” means to:
(1)
give away, sell, deliver, dispense, issue, transfer, or otherwise distribute;
(2)
offer to give away, sell, deliver, dispense, issue, transfer, or otherwise distribute; or
(3)
cause or hire any person to:
(i)
give away, sell, deliver, dispense, issue, transfer, or otherwise distribute; or
(ii)
offer to give away, sell, deliver, dispense, issue, transfer, or otherwise distribute.
(c)Psychoactive substance.
(1)In general.
“Psychoactive substance” means any:
(i)
synthetic cannabinoid;
(ii)
synthetic cathinone; or
(iii)
psychoactive substance analogue.
(2)Exclusions.
“Psychoactive substance” does not include a substance that:
(i)
has an approved drug application by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; and
(ii)
is being distributed in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations.
(d)Psychoactive substance analogue.
“Psychoactive substance analogue” means a substance that:
(1)
is an alkyl homologue of a synthetic cannabinoid or synthetic cathinone; or
(2)
in its chemical structure, differs from a synthetic cannabinoid or synthetic cathinone only by:
(i)
substituting 1 or more hydrogens with halogens; or
(ii)
substituting 1 or more halogens with different halogens.
(e)Synthetic cannabinoid.
(1)In general.
“Synthetic cannabinoid” means a chemically engineered substance that:
(i)
has binding activity at 1 or more cannabinoid receptors;
(ii)
is a chemical analogue or isomer of a compound that has binding activity at 1 or more cannabinoid receptors; or
(iii)
is identified as a cannabimimetic agent, as defined in State Code <cite data-doc="Md. Code" data-path="gcr|5-101">Criminal Law Article § 5-101</cite>.
(2)Illustrations.
A synthetic cannabinoid is commonly, but not exclusively, found sprayed on dried herbs, to be burned and inhaled by consumers.
(f)Synthetic cathinone.
(1)In general.
“Synthetic cathinone” means a chemically engineered derivative of cathinone, which is a naturally occurring beta-ketone amphetamine analogue found in the leaves of the catha edulis plant.
(2)Inclusions.
“Synthetic cathinone” includes butylone, dimethylcathinone, ethcathinone, ethylone, 3- and 4-fluoromethcathinone, mephedrone, methedrine, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDVP), methylone, and pyrovalerone.
(3)Illustrations.
A synthetic cathinone is commonly, but not exclusively, found in the form of pills, capsules, crystals, powders, tablets, or liquids.
History: Ord. 16-440