Drug paraphernalia

Legality of Drug Paraphernalia:

• In the US, anti-paraphernalia laws in the 1980s ended the open sale of drug paraphernalia.
• The Federal Drug Paraphernalia Statute, 21 USC 863, makes it illegal to sell, transport, import, or export drug paraphernalia in the US.
• Possession of drug paraphernalia is usually illegal under State law.
• The US Supreme Court upheld a municipal ordinance requiring licensing for paraphernalia sales.
• American drug paraphernalia laws can apply to items with legitimate uses beyond illegal drugs.

Regulation in the United States:

• Drug paraphernalia sellers expanded sales globally with the rise of the Internet.
• Government crackdowns have led to the arrest of recreational drug paraphernalia sellers.
• The concept of primary use determines whether an item is considered drug paraphernalia.
• Head shops in the US often have disclaimers stating items are for tobacco use only.
• Online head shops require customers to verify non-use of illegal substances.

Regulation in the United Kingdom:

• Owning drug paraphernalia is not illegal in the UK, but possessing items with drug traces can be a criminal offense.
• Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, supplying items for drug preparation is a criminal offense.
• Conviction in a magistrates court can lead to a maximum of six months in prison and/or a £5,000 fine.

Related Concepts:

• Drug checking.
• Harm reduction.
• One hitter (smoking).
• Philadelphia blunt ban.
• Recreational drug use.

References:

• Actor Maxwell Parker Hahn sentenced to prison on drug paraphernalia charges.
• How do head shops legally operate if drug paraphernalia is illegal?
• Are water pipes legal.
• Psilocybin decriminalization in the U.S.

Drug paraphernalia Data Sources