Section 333.7341 - Definitions; factors in determining imitation controlled substance; prohibited conduct; violation; civil fine; misdemeanor; penalty; default in payment of civil fine or costs; colle

PUBLIC HEALTH CODE (EXCERPT)
Act 368 of 1978

333.7341 Definitions; factors in determining imitation controlled substance; prohibited conduct; violation; civil fine; misdemeanor; penalty; default in payment of civil fine or costs; collection; prohibited advertisement or solicitation; violation as misdemeanor; penalty; section inapplicable to certain persons; violation as felony; penalty.

Sec. 7341.

(1) As used in this section:

(a) “Distribute” means the actual, constructive, or attempted transfer, sale, delivery, or dispensing from one person to another of an imitation controlled substance.

(b) “Imitation controlled substance” means a substance that is not a controlled substance or is not a drug for which a prescription is required under federal or state law, which by dosage unit appearance including color, shape, size, or markings, and/or by representations made, would lead a reasonable person to believe that the substance is a controlled substance. However, this subsection does not apply to a drug that is not a controlled substance if it was marketed before the controlled substance that it physically resembles.

(c) “Manufacture” means the production, preparation, compounding, conversion, encapsulating, packaging, repackaging, labeling, relabeling, or processing of an imitation controlled substance, directly or indirectly.

(2) In addition to all logically relevant factors, the following factors as related to “representations made” shall be considered in determining whether a substance is an imitation controlled substance:

(a) Any express or implied representation made that the nature of the substance or its use or effect is similar to that of a controlled substance.

(b) Any express or implied representation made that the substance may be resold for an amount considerably in excess of the reasonable value of the composite ingredients and the cost of processing.

(c) Any express or implied representation made that the substance is a controlled substance.

(d) Any express or implied representation that the substance is of a nature or appearance that the recipient of the substance will be able to distribute the substance as a controlled substance.

(e) That the substance's package, label, or name is substantially similar to that of a controlled substance.

(f) The proximity of the substance to a controlled substance.

(g) That the physical appearance of the substance is substantially identical to a specific controlled substance, including any numbers or codes thereon, and the shape, size, markings, or color.

(3) Except as provided in subsection (7), a person shall not manufacture, distribute, or possess with intent to distribute, an imitation controlled substance.

(4) A person shall not use, or possess with intent to use, an imitation controlled substance, except under the direction of a person authorized pursuant to subsection (7). A person who violates this subsection is subject to a civil fine of not more than $100.00 and costs. Upon a second or subsequent violation of this subsection, a person is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or a fine of not more than $100.00, or both.

(5) A default in the payment of a civil fine or costs ordered under subsection (4) or an installment thereof may be collected by any means authorized for the enforcement of a judgment under chapter 40 of the revised judicature act of 1961, Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, being sections 600.4001 to 600.4065 of the Michigan Compiled Laws, or under chapter 60 of Act No. 236 of the Public Acts of 1961, being sections 600.6001 to 600.6097 of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

(6) A person shall not place an advertisement or solicitation in this state to be distributed by any electronic media in this state, or place an advertisement or solicitation in this state in any newspaper, magazine, handbill, or other publication; or post or distribute an advertisement or solicitation in any public place in this state, knowing or having reason to know that the purpose of the advertisement or solicitation is to promote the distribution of an imitation controlled substance. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 1 year, or a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both.

(7) This section does not apply to any person who is authorized by the administrator or the federal food and drug administration to manufacture, distribute, prescribe, or possess an imitation controlled substance for use as a placebo for legitimate medical, therapeutic, or research purposes.

(8) Except as provided in subsections (4) and (6), a person who violates this section is guilty of a felony, punishable by imprisonment for not more than 2 years, or by a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.


History: Add. 1984, Act 347, Eff. Mar. 29, 1985
Popular Name: Act 368