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SB 327

Criminal Law - Drug Paraphernalia and Controlled Paraphernalia Prohibitions - Repeal

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cory McCray

Maryland bill repeals criminal penalties for possessing, selling, or distributing drug paraphernalia, shifting from prohibition to harm reduction policy.

Hearing 2/05 at 1:00 p.m.
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Bill Summary · SB 327

Legislative bill overview

SB 327 repeals Maryland's criminal prohibitions on drug paraphernalia and controlled paraphernalia. Currently, Maryland law makes it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute items designed or intended for use with controlled substances. This bill would eliminate those criminal penalties entirely.

Why is this important

Drug paraphernalia laws affect thousands of arrests annually and carry criminal consequences that can impact employment, housing, and education. Repealing these laws aligns with harm reduction approaches used in other states and reflects debates about whether paraphernalia criminalization effectively reduces drug use or primarily criminalizes people with substance use disorders.

Potential points of contention

  • Harm reduction vs. deterrence: Supporters argue paraphernalia laws criminalize addiction rather than preventing drug use; opponents contend they serve as a deterrent and signal disapproval of drug use
  • Public health implications: Questions about whether removing legal barriers to paraphernalia access increases drug use rates or improves public health outcomes through reduced disease transmission (hepatitis, HIV) from shared needles
  • Implementation with federal law: Federal drug paraphernalia laws remain in effect, creating potential conflicts between state decriminalization and federal enforcement, particularly for sale and distribution

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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