Is Kava (Piper methysticum) Legal in Maryland? (2026)

Instrument

Schedule I

Source

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=5-402&enactments=false

Retrieved

2026-11-06

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§5–402.
    (a)    Schedule I consists of each:
        (1)    controlled dangerous substance analogue, as defined in subsection (b) of this section;
        (2)    controlled dangerous substance added to Schedule I by the Department under § 5–202(b) of this title; and
        (3)    controlled dangerous substance designated as a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance by the federal government unless the Department objects under § 5–202(f) of this title.
    (b)    (1)    In this subsection:
            (i)    “controlled dangerous substance analogue” means a substance:
                1.    that has a chemical structure substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled dangerous substance described in Schedule I or Schedule II; and
                2.    that has a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than the stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system of a controlled dangerous substance described in Schedule I or Schedule II; but
            (ii)    “controlled dangerous substance analogue” does not include:
                1.    a controlled dangerous substance;
                2.    a substance for which there is an approved new drug application; or
                3.    a substance exempted for investigational use under § 506 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.
        (2)    To the extent intended for human consumption, each controlled dangerous substance analogue is a substance described in Schedule I.
    (c)    The Department may not add a substance to Schedule I under § 5–202 of this title unless the Department finds:
        (1)    a high potential for abuse of the substance;
        (2)    no accepted medical use in the United States for the substance; and
        (3)    a lack of accepted safety for use of the substance under medical supervision.

Instrument

Schedule III (federal designation incorporated)

Source

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=5-404&enactments=false

Retrieved

2026-10-31

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(a)    Schedule III consists of each controlled dangerous substance by whatever official name, common or usual name, chemical name, or brand name:
        (1)    added to Schedule III by the Department under § 5–202(b) of this title; or
        (2)    designated as a Schedule III controlled dangerous substance by the federal government unless the Department objects under § 5–202(f) of this title.
    (b)    The Department may not add a substance to Schedule III under § 5–202 of this title unless the Department finds:
        (1)    a potential for abuse of the substance that is less than that for the substances listed in Schedule I and Schedule II;
        (2)    well documented and approved medical use of the substance in the United States; and
        (3)    evidence that abuse of the substance may lead to moderate or low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.

Instrument

Inhaling harmful substances

Source

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=5-708&enactments=false

Retrieved

2026-10-31

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§5–708.
    (a)    (1)    This section applies to fingernail polish, model airplane glue, or any other substance that causes intoxication, inebriation, excitement, stupefaction, or dulling of the brain or nervous system when smelled or inhaled.
        (2)    This section does not apply to:
            (i)    the inhalation of anaesthesia for medical or dental purposes; or
            (ii)    controlled dangerous substances.
    (b)    (1)    A person may not deliberately smell or inhale a substance listed in paragraph (2) of this subsection in an amount that causes intoxication, excitement, stupefaction, or dulling of the brain or nervous system.
        (2)    This section applies to a drug or any other noxious substance or chemical that contains:
            (i)    an aldehyde;
            (ii)    butane;
            (iii)    butyl nitrite;
            (iv)    a chlorinated hydrocarbon;
            (v)    ether;
            (vi)    a fluorinated hydrocarbon;
            (vii)    a ketone;
            (viii)    methyl benzene;
            (ix)    nitrous oxide;
            (x)    an organic acetate; or
            (xi)    another substance containing solvents releasing toxic vapors.
    (c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding $500 or both.

Instrument

Distribution of harmful substances for inhaling

Source

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=5-709&enactments=false

Retrieved

2026-10-31

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§5–709.
    (a)    In this section, "distribute" includes actual, constructive, or attempted transfer, exchange, or delivery, regardless of remuneration or agency relationship.
    (b)    A person may not distribute or possess with intent to distribute to another a substance listed in § 5-708 of this subtitle:
        (1)    with the intent to induce unlawful inhaling of the substance; or
        (2)    with the knowledge that the other will unlawfully inhale the substance.
    (c)    A person may not:
        (1)    instruct another in the practice of inhaling or smelling that is prohibited under § 5-708(b) of this subtitle; or
        (2)    distribute a butane canister to a minor.
    (d)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to imprisonment not exceeding 18 months or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both.

Instrument

Schedule I; controlled dangerous substance analogue (self-executing)

Source

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&enactments=false&section=5-402

Retrieved

2026-07-20

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(a) Schedule I consists of each: (1) controlled dangerous substance analogue, as defined in subsection (b) of this section; (2) controlled dangerous substance added to Schedule I by the Department under Section 5-202(b) of this title; and (3) controlled dangerous substance designated as a Schedule I controlled dangerous substance by the federal government unless the Department objects under Section 5-202(f) of this title. (b) (1) In this subsection: (i) 'controlled dangerous substance analogue' means a substance: 1. that has a chemical structure substantially similar to the chemical structure of a controlled dangerous substance described in Schedule I or Schedule II; and 2. that has a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system that is substantially similar to or greater than the stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogenic effect on the central nervous system of a controlled dangerous substance described in Schedule I or Schedule II; but (ii) 'controlled dangerous substance analogue' does not include: 1. a controlled dangerous substance; 2. a substance for which there is an approved new drug application; or 3. a substance exempted for investigational use under Section 506 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. (2) To the extent intended for human consumption, each controlled dangerous substance analogue is a substance described in Schedule I. (c) The Department may not add a substance to Schedule I under Section 5-202 of this title unless the Department finds: (1) a high potential for abuse of the substance; (2) no accepted medical use in the United States for the substance; and (3) a lack of accepted safety for use of the substance under medical supervision.

Instrument

Maryland bans retail sales of tianeptine products

Source

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=ghg&enactments=false&section=21-2D-02

Retrieved

2026-11-01

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(a) A retailer may not distribute, sell, expose for sale, or advertise for sale a tianeptine product to an individual. (b) A retailer that violates subsection (a) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding $5,000, imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or both. (c) In addition to any other penalties under this section, a retailer who violates this section is liable for civil damages sustained by the individual resulting from the violation.