§ 17-1-118. SYNTHETIC CANNABINOID.

(a)

Definitions.

(1)

As used in this section, the following words have the meanings indicated.

(2)

"Distribute" means to:

(i)

Give, sell, deliver, dispense, or issue; or

(ii)

Offer to give, sell, deliver, dispense, or issue; or

(iii)

Cause or hire any person to give, sell, deliver, dispense, or issue or offer to give, sell, deliver, dispense, or issue.

(3)

"Synthetic cannabinoid" means a material, substance, compound, mixture or preparation in any form that would reasonably indicate under all circumstances to be synthetic marijuana, including but not limited to products known as Spice, K2, Scooby Snax, Potpourri, or any other name.

(4)

"Synthetic marijuana" means a psychoactive substance or compound created with man-made synthetic chemicals that, when consumed or ingested, mimics the intoxicating effects of marijuana THC, the psychoactive ingredient in the naturally grown marijuana plant.

(b)

Scope . This section does not apply to an accredited academic or medical institution or research facility, or any authorized agent of such facilities, that conducts research on a synthetic cannabinoid.

(c)

Prohibition.

(1)

A person may not purchase, use or possess a synthetic cannabinoid.

(2)

A person may not distribute a substance:

(i)

That the person represents is any form of synthetic cannabinoid;

(ii)

That the person intends for use or distribution as a synthetic cannabinoid; or

(iii)

Under circumstances that one reasonably should know that the substance will be used or distributed for use as a synthetic cannabinoid.

(d)

Penalty .

(1)

A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $500 or imprisonment not exceeding 60 days or both.

(2)

Property seized in connection with enforcement of this section is subject to forfeiture in accordance with the drug asset forfeiture statute set forth in §§ 12-101 - 12-505 of the Criminal Procedure Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland.

(Bill No. 77-10, § 1, 11-19-2010; Bill No. 78-13, § 1, 3-13-2014)