# Criminal Law (GCR)

## Title 5. Controlled Dangerous Substances, Prescriptions, and Other Substances

### Subtitle 5. Prescriptions

#### Section 5-503

(a) In this section, "opium" includes:

  (1) codeine; and

  (2) a natural or synthetic compound, manufactured substance, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of opium.

(b)

  (1) Except on a valid prescription of an authorized prescriber as defined in Sec. 12-101 of the Health Occupations Article, a person may not dispense, give, or sell a preparation containing opium or any of its derivatives.

  (2) This subsection does not apply to:

    (i) a sale made to an authorized provider; or

    (ii) a sale made by a manufacturer, distributor, or licensed pharmacy to a hospital or institution that operates a dispensary in which an authorized provider is in charge.

(c)

  (1) Except on a prescription from an authorized prescriber as defined in Sec. 12-101 of the Health Occupations Article, a person may not possess or control a preparation containing opium or its derivatives.

  (2) A person may possess or control a preparation containing opium or its derivatives if the possession or control is in the regular course of lawful business, occupation, profession, employment, or duty of the person.

(d) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:

  (1) for a first violation, a fine not exceeding $1,000;

  (2) for a second violation, a fine not exceeding $2,000; or

  (3) for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 18 months.

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Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)