1. (a) The General Assembly finds that:

   1. (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. (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.

2. (b)

   1. (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:

      1. (i) ensure their availability for legitimate medical and scientific purposes; but
      2. (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. (2) This title shall be liberally construed to accomplish this purpose.

Added by Acts 2002, c. 26, § 2, eff. Oct. 1, 2002.

Formerly Art. 27, § 276.