{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/54.1-3466.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/54.1-3466.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/54.1-3466.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/54.1-3466.html"}],"law_id":76941,"edition_id":1,"section_id":76941,"structure_id":14613,"section_number":"54.1-3466","catch_line":"Possession or distribution of controlled paraphernalia; definition of controlled paraphernalia; evidence; exceptions","history":"1971, Ex. Sess., cc. 210, 245; 1976, c. 614; 1988, c. 765; 2016, c. 229; 2018, c. 97; 2019, c. 215; 2020, c. 839; 2025, cc. 266, 277, 281.","full_text":"A\n\nFor purposes of this chapter, “controlled paraphernalia” means (i) a hypodermic syringe, needle, or other instrument or implement or combination thereof adapted for the administration of controlled dangerous substances by hypodermic injections under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use such controlled paraphernalia for purposes of illegally administering any controlled drug or (ii) gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, or any other container suitable for the packaging of individual quantities of controlled drugs in sufficient quantity to and under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use any such item for the illegal manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of any such controlled drug. Evidence of such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to, close proximity of any such controlled paraphernalia to any adulterants or equipment commonly used in the illegal manufacture and distribution of controlled drugs including scales, sieves, strainers, measuring spoons, staples and staplers, or procaine hydrochloride, mannitol, lactose, quinine, or any controlled drug, or any machine, equipment, instrument, implement, device, or combination thereof that is adapted for the production of controlled drugs under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use such item or combination thereof to produce, sell, or dispense any controlled drug in violation of the provisions of this chapter. “Controlled paraphernalia” does not include drug checking products used to determine the presence or concentration of a contaminant that can cause physical harm or death.B\n\nExcept as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to possess controlled paraphernalia.C\n\nExcept as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to distribute controlled paraphernalia.D\n\nA violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.E\n\nThe provisions of this section shall not apply to persons who have acquired possession and control of controlled paraphernalia in accordance with the provisions of this article or to any person who owns or is engaged in breeding or raising livestock, poultry, or other animals to which hypodermic injections are customarily given in the interest of health, safety, or good husbandry; or to hospitals, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, podiatrists, veterinarians, funeral directors and embalmers, persons to whom a permit has been issued, manufacturers, wholesalers, or their authorized agents or employees when in the usual course of their business, if the controlled paraphernalia lawfully obtained continue to be used for the legitimate purposes for which they were obtained.F\n\nThe provisions of this section and of § 18.2-265.3 shall not apply to (i) a person who dispenses naloxone in accordance with the provisions of subsection Z of § 54.1-3408 and who, in conjunction with such dispensing of naloxone, dispenses or distributes hypodermic needles and syringes for injecting such naloxone or (ii) a person who possesses naloxone that has been dispensed in accordance with the provisions of subsection Z of § 54.1-3408 and possesses hypodermic needles and syringes for injecting such naloxone in conjunction with such possession of naloxone.G\n\nThe provisions of this section and of § 18.2-265.3 shall not apply to (i) a person who possesses or distributes controlled paraphernalia on behalf of or for the benefit of a comprehensive harm reduction program established pursuant to § 32.1-45.4 or (ii) a person who possesses controlled paraphernalia obtained from a comprehensive harm reduction program established pursuant to § 32.1-45.4.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":276130,"text":"For purposes of this chapter, “controlled paraphernalia” means (i) a hypodermic syringe, needle, or other instrument or implement or combination thereof adapted for the administration of controlled dangerous substances by hypodermic injections under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use such controlled paraphernalia for purposes of illegally administering any controlled drug or (ii) gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, or any other container suitable for the packaging of individual quantities of controlled drugs in sufficient quantity to and under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use any such item for the illegal manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of any such controlled drug. Evidence of such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to, close proximity of any such controlled paraphernalia to any adulterants or equipment commonly used in the illegal manufacture and distribution of controlled drugs including scales, sieves, strainers, measuring spoons, staples and staplers, or procaine hydrochloride, mannitol, lactose, quinine, or any controlled drug, or any machine, equipment, instrument, implement, device, or combination thereof that is adapted for the production of controlled drugs under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use such item or combination thereof to produce, sell, or dispense any controlled drug in violation of the provisions of this chapter. “Controlled paraphernalia” does not include drug checking products used to determine the presence or concentration of a contaminant that can cause physical harm or death.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":276131,"text":"Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to possess controlled paraphernalia.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":276132,"text":"Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to distribute controlled paraphernalia.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":276133,"text":"A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"E"},"4":{"id":276134,"text":"The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons who have acquired possession and control of controlled paraphernalia in accordance with the provisions of this article or to any person who owns or is engaged in breeding or raising livestock, poultry, or other animals to which hypodermic injections are customarily given in the interest of health, safety, or good husbandry; or to hospitals, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, podiatrists, veterinarians, funeral directors and embalmers, persons to whom a permit has been issued, manufacturers, wholesalers, or their authorized agents or employees when in the usual course of their business, if the controlled paraphernalia lawfully obtained continue to be used for the legitimate purposes for which they were obtained.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"F"},"5":{"id":276135,"text":"The provisions of this section and of § 18.2-265.3 shall not apply to (i) a person who dispenses naloxone in accordance with the provisions of subsection Z of § 54.1-3408 and who, in conjunction with such dispensing of naloxone, dispenses or distributes hypodermic needles and syringes for injecting such naloxone or (ii) a person who possesses naloxone that has been dispensed in accordance with the provisions of subsection Z of § 54.1-3408 and possesses hypodermic needles and syringes for injecting such naloxone in conjunction with such possession of naloxone.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E","next_prefix":"G"},"6":{"id":276136,"text":"The provisions of this section and of § 18.2-265.3 shall not apply to (i) a person who possesses or distributes controlled paraphernalia on behalf of or for the benefit of a comprehensive harm reduction program established pursuant to § 32.1-45.4 or (ii) a person who possesses controlled paraphernalia obtained from a comprehensive harm reduction program established pursuant to § 32.1-45.4.","type":"section","prefixes":["G"],"prefix":"G","entire_prefix":"G","prefix_anchor":"G","level":1,"prior_prefix":"F"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14613,"edition_id":1,"name":"Controlled Paraphernalia","identifier":"7","label":"article","depth":4,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13240,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:55","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:55","permalink":{"id":243723,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14613,"identifier":"7","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7","url":"\/54.1\/III\/34\/7\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13240,"edition_id":1,"name":"Drug Control Act","identifier":"34","label":"chapter","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12758,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","permalink":{"id":243223,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13240,"identifier":"34","token":"54.1\/III\/34","url":"\/54.1\/III\/34\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12758,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations Regulated by Boards Within the Department of Health Professions","identifier":"III","label":"subtitle","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12754,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":241105,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12758,"identifier":"III","token":"54.1\/III","url":"\/54.1\/III\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12754,"edition_id":1,"name":"Professions and Occupations","identifier":"54.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:51","permalink":{"id":239313,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12754,"identifier":"54.1","token":"54.1","url":"\/54.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":76941,"structure_id":14613,"section_number":"54.1-3466","catch_line":"Possession or distribution of controlled paraphernalia; definition of controlled paraphernalia; evidence; exceptions","url":"\/54.1-3466\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7\/54.1-3466","metadata":false},{"id":56147,"structure_id":14613,"section_number":"54.1-3467","catch_line":"Distribution of hypodermic needles or syringes, gelatin capsules, quinine or any of its salts","url":"\/54.1-3467\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7\/54.1-3467","metadata":false},{"id":73225,"structure_id":14613,"section_number":"54.1-3468","catch_line":"Conditions to dispensing device, item, or substance; records","url":"\/54.1-3468\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7\/54.1-3468","metadata":false},{"id":68106,"structure_id":14613,"section_number":"54.1-3469","catch_line":"Storage, usage, and disposition of controlled paraphernalia","url":"\/54.1-3469\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7\/54.1-3469","metadata":false},{"id":75860,"structure_id":14613,"section_number":"54.1-3470","catch_line":"Obtaining controlled paraphernalia by fraud, etc","url":"\/54.1-3470\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7\/54.1-3470","metadata":false},{"id":57056,"structure_id":14613,"section_number":"54.1-3471","catch_line":"Issuance of permits to certain persons other than registered pharmacists","url":"\/54.1-3471\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7\/54.1-3471","metadata":false},{"id":69097,"structure_id":14613,"section_number":"54.1-3472","catch_line":"Article inapplicable to certain persons","url":"\/54.1-3472\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7\/54.1-3472","metadata":false}],"next_section":{"id":56147,"structure_id":14613,"section_number":"54.1-3467","catch_line":"Distribution of hypodermic needles or syringes, gelatin capsules, quinine or any of its salts","url":"\/54.1-3467\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7\/54.1-3467","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/54.1-3466\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 7 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1976, chapter 614; in 1988, chapter 765; in 2016, chapter 229<\/a>; in 2018, chapter 97<\/a>; in 2019, chapter 215<\/a>; in 2020, chapter 839<\/a>; in 2025, chapters 266<\/a>, 277<\/a>, and 281<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":71520,"section_number":"18.2-251.03","catch_line":"Arrest and prosecution when experiencing or reporting an overdose or act of sexual violence","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-251.03\/"},{"id":71259,"section_number":"18.2-260","catch_line":"Prescribing, dispensing, etc., drug except as authorized in article and Drug Control Act; violations for which no penalty provided","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-260\/"},{"id":73569,"section_number":"32.1-45.4","catch_line":"Comprehensive harm reduction programs","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-45.4\/"},{"id":86967,"section_number":"54.1-3303.1","catch_line":"Initiating of treatment with and dispensing and administering of controlled substances by pharmacists","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3303.1\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":71055,"section_number":"18.2-265.3","catch_line":"Penalties for sale, etc., of drug paraphernalia","order_by":null,"url":"\/18.2-265.3\/"},{"id":73569,"section_number":"32.1-45.4","catch_line":"Comprehensive harm reduction programs","order_by":null,"url":"\/32.1-45.4\/"},{"id":77665,"section_number":"54.1-3408","catch_line":"Professional use by practitioners","order_by":null,"url":"\/54.1-3408\/"}],"permalink":{"id":243725,"object_type":"law","relational_id":76941,"identifier":"54.1-3466","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7\/54.1-3466","url":"\/54.1-3466\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/54.1-3466\/","token":"54.1\/III\/34\/7\/54.1-3466","dublin_core":{"Title":"Possession or distribution of controlled paraphernalia; definition of controlled paraphernalia; evidence; exceptions","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 54.1-3466","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> For purposes of this chapter, “controlled paraphernalia<\/span>” means (i) a hypodermic syringe, needle, or other instrument or implement or combination thereof adapted for the administration of controlled dangerous substances by hypodermic injections under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use such controlled paraphernalia<\/span> for purposes of illegally administering any controlled drug<\/span> or (ii) gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes, or any other container suitable for the packaging of individual quantities of controlled drugs<\/span> in sufficient quantity to and under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use any such item for the illegal manufacture<\/span>, distribution, or dispensing<\/span> of any such controlled drug<\/span>. Evidence<\/span> of such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to, close proximity of any such controlled paraphernalia<\/span> to any adulterants or equipment commonly used in the illegal manufacture<\/span> and distribution of controlled drugs<\/span> including scales, sieves, strainers, measuring spoons, staples and staplers, or procaine hydrochloride, mannitol, lactose, quinine, or any controlled drug<\/span>, or any machine, equipment, instrument, implement, device<\/span>, or combination thereof that is adapted for the production<\/span> of controlled drugs<\/span> under circumstances that reasonably indicate an intention to use such item or combination thereof to produce<\/span>, sell, or dispense<\/span> any controlled drug<\/span> in violation of the provisions of this chapter. “Controlled paraphernalia<\/span>” does not include drug<\/span> checking products used to determine the presence or concentration of a contaminant that can cause physical harm or death. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person<\/span> to possess controlled paraphernalia<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person<\/span> to distribute<\/span> controlled paraphernalia<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons<\/span> who have acquired possession<\/span> and control of controlled paraphernalia<\/span> in accordance with the provisions of this article or to any person<\/span> who owns or is engaged in breeding or raising livestock, poultry, or other animals<\/span> to which hypodermic injections are customarily given in the interest of health, safety, or good husbandry; or to hospitals, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, podiatrists, veterinarians, funeral directors and embalmers, persons<\/span> to whom a permit has been issued, manufacturers<\/span>, wholesalers, or their authorized agents<\/span> or employees when in the usual course of their business, if the controlled paraphernalia<\/span> lawfully obtained continue to be used for the legitimate purposes for which they were obtained. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The provisions of this section and of § 18.2-265.3<\/a> shall not apply to (i) a person<\/span> who dispenses<\/span> naloxone in accordance with the provisions of subsection Z of § 54.1-3408<\/a> and who, in conjunction with such dispensing<\/span> of naloxone, dispenses<\/span> or distributes<\/span> hypodermic needles and syringes for injecting such naloxone or (ii) a person<\/span> who possesses naloxone that has been dispensed in accordance with the provisions of subsection Z of § 54.1-3408<\/a> and possesses hypodermic needles and syringes for injecting such naloxone in conjunction with such possession<\/span> of naloxone. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

G.<\/span> The provisions of this section and of § 18.2-265.3<\/a> shall not apply to (i) a person<\/span> who possesses or distributes<\/span> controlled paraphernalia<\/span> on behalf of or for the benefit of a comprehensive harm reduction program established pursuant to § 32.1-45.4<\/a> or (ii) a person<\/span> who possesses controlled paraphernalia<\/span> obtained from a comprehensive harm reduction program established pursuant to § 32.1-45.4<\/a>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nPOSSESSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF CONTROLLED PARAPHERNALIA; DEFINITION OF CONTROLLED\nPARAPHERNALIA; EVIDENCE; EXCEPTIONS (\u00a7 54.1-3466)\n\nA. For purposes of this chapter, “controlled paraphernalia” means\n(i) a hypodermic syringe, needle, or other instrument or implement or\ncombination thereof adapted for the administration of controlled dangerous\nsubstances by hypodermic injections under circumstances that reasonably indicate\nan intention to use such controlled paraphernalia for purposes of illegally\nadministering any controlled drug or (ii) gelatin capsules, glassine envelopes,\nor any other container suitable for the packaging of individual quantities of\ncontrolled drugs in sufficient quantity to and under circumstances that\nreasonably indicate an intention to use any such item for the illegal\nmanufacture, distribution, or dispensing of any such controlled drug. Evidence\nof such circumstances shall include, but not be limited to, close proximity of\nany such controlled paraphernalia to any adulterants or equipment commonly used\nin the illegal manufacture and distribution of controlled drugs including\nscales, sieves, strainers, measuring spoons, staples and staplers, or procaine\nhydrochloride, mannitol, lactose, quinine, or any controlled drug, or any\nmachine, equipment, instrument, implement, device, or combination thereof that\nis adapted for the production of controlled drugs under circumstances that\nreasonably indicate an intention to use such item or combination thereof to\nproduce, sell, or dispense any controlled drug in violation of the provisions of\nthis chapter. “Controlled paraphernalia” does not include drug\nchecking products used to determine the presence or concentration of a\ncontaminant that can cause physical harm or death.\n\nB. Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to\npossess controlled paraphernalia.\n\nC. Except as authorized in this chapter, it is unlawful for any person to\ndistribute controlled paraphernalia.\n\nD. A violation of this section is a Class 1 misdemeanor.\n\nE. The provisions of this section shall not apply to persons who have acquired\npossession and control of controlled paraphernalia in accordance with the\nprovisions of this article or to any person who owns or is engaged in breeding\nor raising livestock, poultry, or other animals to which hypodermic injections\nare customarily given in the interest of health, safety, or good husbandry; or\nto hospitals, physicians, pharmacists, dentists, podiatrists, veterinarians,\nfuneral directors and embalmers, persons to whom a permit has been issued,\nmanufacturers, wholesalers, or their authorized agents or employees when in the\nusual course of their business, if the controlled paraphernalia lawfully\nobtained continue to be used for the legitimate purposes for which they were\nobtained.\n\nF. The provisions of this section and of § 18.2-265.3 shall not apply to\n(i) a person who dispenses naloxone in accordance with the provisions of\nsubsection Z of § 54.1-3408 and who, in conjunction with such dispensing of\nnaloxone, dispenses or distributes hypodermic needles and syringes for injecting\nsuch naloxone or (ii) a person who possesses naloxone that has been dispensed in\naccordance with the provisions of subsection Z of § 54.1-3408 and possesses\nhypodermic needles and syringes for injecting such naloxone in conjunction with\nsuch possession of naloxone.\n\nG. The provisions of this section and of § 18.2-265.3 shall not apply to\n(i) a person who possesses or distributes controlled paraphernalia on behalf of\nor for the benefit of a comprehensive harm reduction program established\npursuant to § 32.1-45.4 or (ii) a person who possesses controlled\nparaphernalia obtained from a comprehensive harm reduction program established\npursuant to § 32.1-45.4.\n\nHISTORY: 1971, Ex. Sess., cc. 210, 245; 1976, c. 614; 1988, c. 765; 2016, c.\n229; 2018, c. 97; 2019, c. 215; 2020, c. 839; 2025, cc. 266, 277, 281.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}