# Criminal Law (GCR)

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

### Subtitle 7. Prescription Drugs and Other Substances

#### Section 5-701

(a) Sections 5-701 through 5-704 of this subtitle apply to:

  (1) the sale of prescription drugs by a manufacturer, wholesale distributor, retail pharmacist, or jobber to a person not legally qualified or authorized to purchase and hold prescription drugs for use or resale; and

  (2) an authorized provider's assistant who is not licensed to administer prescription drugs.

(b) A person may not dispense a prescription drug except:

  (1) on an authorized provider's:

    (i) electronic prescription;

    (ii) written prescription; or

    (iii) oral prescription that the pharmacist reduces to writing and files; or

  (2) by refilling a written prescription, an electronic prescription, or an oral prescription that is authorized:

    (i) by the authorized provider in the original prescription; or

    (ii) by oral direction that the pharmacist reduces to writing and files.

(c) A person may not dispense a prescription drug by filling or refilling a written prescription, an electronic prescription, or an oral prescription of an authorized provider unless the drug bears a label that, in addition to any requirements of the Department or federal law, contains:

  (1) the name and address of the dispenser;

  (2) the serial number and date of the prescription;

  (3) the name of the authorized provider; and

  (4) if stated in the prescription, the name and address of the patient and the directions for use.

(d) Except as otherwise provided under this title, a person may not:

  (1) manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute a prescription drug;

  (2) affix a false or counterfeit label to a package, container, or other receptacle containing a prescription drug;

  (3) omit, remove, alter, or obliterate a label or symbol that is required by federal, State, or local law on a prescription drug; or

  (4) obtain or attempt to obtain a prescription drug by:

    (i) fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation;

    (ii) the counterfeiting or altering of a prescription or written order;

    (iii) concealing a material fact;

    (iv) using a false name or address;

    (v) falsely assuming the title of or falsely representing that the person is a manufacturer, distributor, or authorized provider; or

    (vi) making or issuing a false or counterfeit prescription or written order.

(e) A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 2 years or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

---

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