Maryland Criminal Law Section 5-503

      (a)      In this section, "opium" includes:

            (1)      codeine; and

            (2)      a natural or synthetic compound, manufactured substance, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of opium.

      (b)      (1)      Except on a valid prescription of an authorized prescriber as defined in § 12-101 of the Health Occupations Article, a person may not dispense, give, or sell a preparation containing opium or any of its derivatives.

            (2)      This subsection does not apply to:

                  (i)      a sale made to an authorized provider; or

                  (ii)      a sale made by a manufacturer, distributor, or licensed pharmacy to a hospital or institution that operates a dispensary in which an authorized provider is in charge.

      (c)      (1)      Except on a prescription from an authorized prescriber as defined in § 12-101 of the Health Occupations Article, a person may not possess or control a preparation containing opium or its derivatives.

            (2)      A person may possess or control a preparation containing opium or its derivatives if the possession or control is in the regular course of lawful business, occupation, profession, employment, or duty of the person.

      (d)      A person who violates this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and on conviction is subject to:

            (1)      for a first violation, a fine not exceeding $1,000;

            (2)      for a second violation, a fine not exceeding $2,000; or

            (3)      for each subsequent violation, imprisonment not exceeding 18 months.