# § 16-101 Definitions.

Current through 2026-07-17. Source: City of Balt., Md., Ord. 26-129. Published by the Baltimore City Department of Legislative Reference.

## § 16-101 Definitions.

Balt., Md., Code § 16-101 (2026)

(a) In this title, the following terms have the meanings indicated.

(b) “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)

  (1) “Psychoactive substance” means any:

    (i) synthetic cannabinoid;

    (ii) synthetic cathinone; or

    (iii) psychoactive substance analogue.

  (2) “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” 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)

  (1) “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) A synthetic cannabinoid is commonly, but not exclusively, found sprayed on dried herbs, to be burned and inhaled by consumers.

(f)

  (1) “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) “Synthetic cathinone” includes butylone, dimethylcathinone, ethcathinone, ethylone, 3- and 4-fluoromethcathinone, mephedrone, methedrine, methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDVP), methylone, and pyrovalerone.

  (3) A synthetic cathinone is commonly, but not exclusively, found in the form of pills, capsules, crystals, powders, tablets, or liquids.

*History: Ord. 16-440*