§208 Certain Preparations and Sales Excepted

Summary

Exempts some low-dose drug mixtures and certain sales from the other rule. Small amounts are allowed: not more than two grains of opium, not more than one-quarter grain of morphine, not more than one-quarter grain of cocaine, or not more than two grains of chloral hydrate per fluid ounce (or per avoirdupois ounce for solids). It also allows Dover’s powder in amounts up to twenty grains, remedies sold in good faith for diarrhea or cholera if each package has use directions and a warning against habitual use, and liniments or ointments clearly labeled “for external use only.” It does not let anyone sell or give cocaine, morphine, opium, chloral hydrate (or their salts or preparations) to habitual users. A recognized, reputable physician serving the United States may give such drugs to a habitual user under his care if needed and not to evade the rule. Wholesale sales among jobbers, manufacturers, retail druggists, hospitals, and scientific or public institutions are also excluded.