Drug Paraphernalia Definition
Drug Paraphernalia Definition
Drug paraphernalia is an umbrella term for equipment intended to be used in preparing, storing, concealing or consuming controlled substances. Drug paraphernalia laws tend to be state specific, although federal law does dictate certain types of paraphernalia are illegal. The DEA has specified certain materials they believe are used to consume controlled substances like crack cocaine and methamphetamines. Using a non-illegal substance like cornmeal or salt in place of a controlled substance can still land you in trouble if you are using paraphernalia associated with said substance
Drug paraphernalia, also known as drug equipment or drug use equipment, is an umbrella term for equipment used or intended to be used in preparing, storing, concealing or consuming controlled substances.
Drug paraphernalia is an umbrella term for equipment that is used or intended to be used in preparing, storing, concealing or consuming illegal drugs. Drug paraphernalia can appear as something as simple as a spoon, a rolling paper and stem or a glass pipe. The Drug Paraphernalia Control Act of 1986 makes it illegal to possess and sell drug paraphernalia in all fifty states.
The most commonly used and reported illegal drug in the United States is marijuana.
The most commonly used and reported illegal drug in the United States is marijuana. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, approximately 72 million people over age 12 used marijuana in 2016. This number is up from about 33 million people who used marijuana in 2007. The increase can likely be attributed to several factors, including an easing of restrictions on medical use of cannabis and a greater acceptance of its use for recreational purposes.
Drug Paraphernalia laws tend to be state specific, although federal law does dictate certain types of paraphernalia are illegal.
Drug paraphernalia laws tend to be state specific, although federal law does dictate certain types of paraphernalia are illegal. Federal law criminalizes a number of items that are used in the cultivation or distribution of controlled substances. These include things like scales, spoons and syringes. State laws will vary on what constitutes drug paraphernalia, but for the most part they are written to protect the health of the public and keep people from using drugs in public places where others may be affected by secondhand smoke or other adverse effects from drug use.
Paraphernalia laws can be very specific – for example some states make it illegal to sell bongs without tobacco products (as well as other products used as pipes), while others only allow you to use such items if you’re at home (or another private location). Some states have very broad definitions that include just about anything that would be useful when consuming drugs or alcohol – including clothing worn by people who are intoxicated at bars/parties/other events attended by underage drinkers and any item used during preparation before consuming any alcoholic beverage (this includes beer bottles).
The DEA has specified certain materials they believe are used to consume controlled substances like crack cocaine and methamphetamines.
Certain materials have been specified by the DEA as items that are used to consume or create controlled substances. The list includes everything from pipes and rolling papers, to empty baggies and bottle caps.
- Substances: A substance is an item used to consume drugs such as crack cocaine or methamphetamines. The DEA has specified certain materials they believe are used to consume controlled substances like crack cocaine and methamphetamines.
- Devices: A device is any object used for the purpose of consuming drugs such as crack cocaine or methamphetamines. The DEA has specified certain materials it believes are used for this purpose, including pipes, bongs, needles/syringes and other items that fall under paraphernalia laws in most states today (though not all).
Using a non-illegal substance like cornmeal or salt in place of a controlled substance can still land you in trouble if you are using paraphernalia associated with said substance.
The law is not clear on this point, and the DEA has not specified what is and is not acceptable. You should check with your local police before using any drug paraphernalia.
It is possible to obtain machines used for heroin injection which come with handbooks on how to inject drugs safely under the guise that users are preparing their own insulin at home rather than injecting drugs into their system.
Drug paraphernalia is equipment that can be used to produce, use or store drugs. A few examples of drug paraphernalia are pipes and bongs, syringes and needles, rolling papers/joints and scales. Drug paraphernalia laws vary from state to state in the United States but generally speaking, possession of drug paraphernalia is illegal. The DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) maintains a list of items that are considered illegal drug paraphernalia.
Crack cocaine has been a huge problem in the United States, affecting people of all ages and races. The drug is most commonly used among young people living in inner cities and urban areas where poverty rates are high. While there are some individuals who use crack cocaine on a casual basis, many people become addicted after using it just once or twice. Once addicted to this substance it can be very difficult to stop using without help from professionals trained in treating addiction disorders.