Syringe Possession & Distribution

Syringe Possession and Distribution

  •  N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 90-113.22; N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 90-113.23.
  • Syringes are drug paraphernalia when used to inject controlled substances into the body. N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 90-113.21(a)(11)
  • It is illegal to use, possess with intent to use, deliver, or possess with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia to inject a controlled substance into the body. 
  • Use, possession with intent to use, delivery, or possession with intent to deliver drug paraphernalia is a class 1 misdemeanor. Delivery of paraphernalia to a minor is a class I felony. 
  • If a person in possession of a syringe alerts law enforcement before the officer conducts a search, the person will not be charged or prosecuted for possession of drug paraphernalia or residual amounts of controlled substances in the needle. 
  • Syringe exchange is allowed by law. N.C. Gen. Stat. Ann. § 90-113.27
  • Employees, volunteers, and participants in syringe exchange programs will not be charged with or prosecuted for possession of needles or other injection supplies or residual amounts of controlled substances on the supplies.