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Is Phenibut Legal in Maryland? (2026)

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As of November 12, 2026, Phenibut is legal to sell at retail with restrictions in Maryland. Maryland restricts phenibut products through its consumer protection law. Controlling source: 2025 Maryland Laws ch. 704, Health-General 21-2F-02(c).

Verified November 12, 2026 (hash check) · confidence: confirmed

Is Phenibut Legal? Every state and federal law

QuietNo pending legislation, deadlines or enforcement actions on file for Phenibut in Maryland.
Rule type
permanent
Tier
Consumption restricted
Effective
2025-10-01

What the record says

Maryland restricts sales of products marketed for human consumption containing phenibut HCl. Retailers may not sell products lacking FDA recognition as a dietary ingredient or approval as a drug, and must meet labeling, age and advertising conditions. The state commission says current phenibut products are unauthorized for retail sale. The law does not schedule phenibut or categorically prohibit possession. Federal FDA posture also applies.

Controlling language, verbatim

(C) A RETAILER MAY NOT DISTRIBUTE, SELL, OR EXPOSE FOR SALE A PHENIBUT PRODUCT TO AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER THE AGE OF 21 YEARS.

Source of excerpt

Citations

  1. 2025 Maryland Laws ch. 704, Health-General 21-2F-02(c) (Maryland General Assembly) PRIMARYOFFICIAL
  2. Md. Health-General 21-2F-02(a), phenibut products (Maryland General Assembly) PRIMARYOFFICIAL
  3. Md. Health-General 21-2F-01, product definition (Maryland General Assembly) PRIMARYOFFICIAL
  4. Md. Criminal Law 5-402 controlled dangerous substance analog definition (Maryland General Assembly) PRIMARYOFFICIAL
  5. COMAR 10.19.03.20 additional controlled substances (Maryland Division of State Documents) PRIMARYOFFICIAL
  6. COMAR 10.19.03.02 federal schedules incorporation (Maryland Division of State Documents) PRIMARYOFFICIAL
  7. 2026 Maryland Laws ch. 354 (Maryland General Assembly) PRIMARYOFFICIAL
  8. ATCC unauthorized consumable product bulletin, August 2026 (Maryland Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission) PRIMARYOFFICIAL

Where Phenibut stands across the country

LegalRestrictedGray areaIllegalNot yet verified

Among Maryland's 5 neighbors, District of Columbia, Delaware and Pennsylvania are gray area; Virginia and West Virginia are legal.

Open the interactive map · Every compound in Maryland · Where Phenibut is banned · Embed this map

Federal posture

Not federally scheduled. Phenibut is not federally scheduled; FDA restricts dietary supplement marketing Federal detail

Verbatim law on file for Maryland

9 instruments on file for this compound’s framework in Maryland; 8 of 8 citations above are official sources. Each text carries its source and a fingerprint that changes when the law does.

2025 Maryland Laws ch. 704, Health-General Sec. 21-2F-02(c) · Phenibut product retail age restrictionOFFICIAL
Instrument
Phenibut product retail age restriction
Source
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2025RS/chapters_noln/Ch_704_hb0996T.pdf
Retrieved
2026-11-01
Fingerprint
9b6fff1ae0ff7e2b
(C) 
A RETAILER MAY NOT DISTRIBUTE, SELL, OR EXPOSE FOR SALE A 
PHENIBUT PRODUCT TO AN INDIVIDUAL UNDER THE AGE OF 21 YEARS.
Md. Code, Crim. Law 5-402 · Schedule IOFFICIAL
Instrument
Schedule I
Source
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/2026RS/Statute_Web/gcr/5-402.pdf
Retrieved
2026-10-29
Fingerprint
7babe04cfbbd65f0
§5–402.

(a)

Schedule I consists of each:

(1)
subsection (b) of this section;

controlled  dangerous  substance  analogue,  as  defined

in

(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:

substance:

(i)

“controlled  dangerous  substance  analogue”  means  a

that has a chemical structure substantially similar
to the chemical structure of a controlled dangerous substance described in Schedule
I or Schedule II; and

1.

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

2.

(ii)

“controlled  dangerous  substance  analogue”  does  not

include:

application; or

1.

2.

a controlled dangerous substance;

a substance for which there is an approved new drug

§ 506 of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

3.

a substance exempted for investigational use under

- 1 -

(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.
Md. Code, Crim. Law Sec. 10-131 · Distribution of Salvia divinorum to individual under 21OFFICIAL
Instrument
Distribution of Salvia divinorum to individual under 21
Source
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=10-131&enactments=false
Retrieved
2026-10-31
Fingerprint
f37b9e5866d84a0d
(a)    A person may not distribute Salvia divinorum to an individual under the age of 21 years.
    (b)    In a prosecution for a violation of this section, it is a defense that the defendant examined the purchaser’s or recipient’s driver’s license or other valid identification issued by an employer, a government unit, or an institution of higher education that positively identified the purchaser or recipient as at least 21 years of age.
    (c)    A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to a fine not exceeding:
        (1)    $1,000 for a first violation;
        (2)    $2,000 for a second violation occurring within 2 years after the first violation; and
        (3)    $6,000 for each subsequent violation occurring within 2 years after the preceding violation.
    (d)    For purposes of this section, each separate incident at a different time and occasion is a separate violation.
Show 6 more laws on file
Md. Code, Crim. Law Sec. 5-402 · Schedule IOFFICIAL
Instrument
Schedule I
Source
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=5-402&enactments=false
Retrieved
2026-11-06
Fingerprint
876243ddcc4a5561
§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.
Md. Code, Crim. Law Sec. 5-404 · Schedule III (federal designation incorporated)OFFICIAL
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
Fingerprint
787d346d2d75402a
(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.
Md. Code, Crim. Law Sec. 5-708 · Inhaling harmful substancesOFFICIAL
Instrument
Inhaling harmful substances
Source
https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gcr&section=5-708&enactments=false
Retrieved
2026-10-31
Fingerprint
2c80653c39676b66
§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.
Md. Code, Crim. Law Sec. 5-709 · Distribution of harmful substances for inhalingOFFICIAL
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
Fingerprint
f88515f742a25aa0
§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.
Md. Code, Criminal Law Sec. 5-402 · Schedule I; controlled dangerous substance analogue (self-executing)OFFICIAL
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
Fingerprint
acfde5ec795d04e3
(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.
Md. Health-General 21-2D-02 · Maryland bans retail sales of tianeptine productsOFFICIAL
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
Fingerprint
44237f42e24a987a
(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.

Phenibut in neighboring states

Phenibut in 45 other states

Closest to Phenibut in Maryland

Same framework in Maryland

23 other compounds in Maryland

Cite this page

Compound Analytics. "Is Phenibut Legal in Maryland? Updated Nov 2026." Compound Laws, https://compoundlaws.com/compounds/phenibut/maryland/. Accessed November 13, 2026.

Compound Laws, published by Compound Analytics, reports the record: statutes verbatim, official citations, enforcement facts and verification dates. Nothing here is legal advice and nothing here describes how to get around a law. A jurisdiction with no verified row is reported as not yet verified, never as legal. Found an error? Corrections policy.

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