§ 5-102. Legislative findings and purpose of title

   (a) Findings. -- The General Assembly finds that:

   (1) many of the substances listed in this title have a useful and legitimate medical purpose and are necessary to maintain the health and general welfare of the people of the State; but

   (2) the illegal manufacture, distribution, possession, and administration of controlled dangerous substances have a substantial and detrimental effect on the health and general welfare of the people of the State.

(b) Purpose. --

   (1) The purpose of this title is to establish a uniform law to control the manufacture, distribution, possession, and administration of controlled dangerous substances and related paraphernalia to:

      (i) ensure their availability for legitimate medical and scientific purposes; but

      (ii) prevent their abuse, which results in a serious health problem to the individual and represents a serious danger to the welfare of the people of the State.

   (2) This title shall be liberally construed to accomplish this purpose.

HISTORY: An. Code 1957, art. 27, § 276; 2002, ch. 26, § 2.