§208 Certain Preparations and Sales Excepted

Summary

Allows some low‑dose drug products to be sold without following the rules in section 207. The allowed limits are: up to 2 grains of opium, up to 1/4 grain of morphine, up to 1/4 grain of cocaine, or up to 2 grains of chloral hydrate per fluid ounce (or per avoirdupois ounce for solids). Also allowed are honest diarrhea or cholera medicines with clear directions and a warning against habitual use, liniments or ointments labeled "for external use only," and Dover’s powder in amounts up to 20 grains. Those exceptions do not let anyone sell or give cocaine, morphine, opium, or chloral hydrate (or their salts or preparations) to habitual users. A recognized, reputable doctor whose permanent allegiance is due to the United States may, in good faith and while treating a patient, provide such drugs to a habitual user if it is not done to evade the law. Wholesale sales among jobbers, manufacturers, retail druggists, hospitals, and scientific or public institutions are also exempt.