Pennsylvania § 6316 - Selling or furnishing certain stimulants to minors.

Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 6316 — Selling or furnishing certain stimulants to minors., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 6316. Selling or furnishing certain stimulants to minors.

(a) Offense defined.--A person commits a summary offense if he knowingly sells or purchases with the intent to sell ephedrine to a person who is less than 18 years of age.

(b) Penalty.--A person who is convicted of violating subsection (a) shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than $250 nor more than $500 for the first violation and a fine of $500 for each subsequent violation.

(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"Ephedrine."

(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any product that contains any quantity of ephedrine, a salt of ephedrine, an optical isomer of ephedrine or a salt of an optical isomer of ephedrine.

(2) The term does not include a product containing ephedrine if it may lawfully be sold over the counter without a prescription under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (52 Stat. 1040, 21 U.S.C. § 301 et seq.); is labeled and marketed in a manner consistent with the pertinent OTC Tentative Final or Final Monograph; is manufactured and distributed for legitimate medicinal use in a manner that reduces or eliminates the likelihood of abuse; and as described as follows:

(i) Solid oral dosage forms, including soft gelatin caplets, that combine active ingredients in the following ranges for each dosage unit:

(A) Theophylline (100-130 mg), ephedrine (12.5-24 mg).

(B) Theophylline (60-100 mg), ephedrine (12.5-24 mg), guaifenesin (200-400 mg).

(C) Ephedrine (12.5-25 mg), guaifenesin (200-400 mg).

(D) Phenobarbital (not greater than 8 mg) in combination with the ingredients of clause (A) or (B).

(ii) Liquid oral dosage forms that combine active ingredients in the following ranges for each 5 ml dose:

(A) Theophylline (not greater than 45 mg), ephedrine (not greater than 36 mg), guaifenesin (not greater than 100 mg), phenobarbital (not greater than 12 mg).

(B) Phenylephephrine (not greater than 5 mg), ephedrine (not greater than 5 mg), chlorpheniramine (not greater than 2 mg), dextromethorphan (not greater than 10 mg), ammonium Cl (not greater than 40 mg), ipecac fluid extract (not greater than 0.005 ml).

(iii) Anorectal preparations containing less than 5% ephedrine.

(iv) Any liquid compound, mixture or preparation containing 0.5% or less of ephedrine.

(May 9, 1997, P.L.142, No.8, eff. 60 days)

1997 Amendment. Act 8 added section 6316. See the preamble to Act 8 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to legislative findings and declarations.

Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 6316

What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 6316 cover?

Section 6316 ("Selling or furnishing certain stimulants to minors.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Pennsylvania § 6316?

A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 6316" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.

How does Pennsylvania § 6316 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.