West Virginia § 61-8-11 - 61-8-11. Breathing, inhaling, or drinking certain intoxicating compounds; penalty.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 61-8-11 — 61-8-11. Breathing, inhaling, or drinking certain intoxicating compounds; penalty., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 61-8-11. 61-8-11. Breathing, inhaling, or drinking certain intoxicating compounds; penalty.

(a) No person shall intentionally breathe, inhale, or drink any compound, liquid, or chemical containing acetone, amylacetate, benzol or benzene, butyl acetate, butyl alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, cyclohexanone, ethanol or ethyl alcohol, ethyl acetate, hexane, isopropanol or isopropyl alcohol, isopropyl acetate, methyl “cellosolve” acetate, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone, toluol or toluene, trichloroethylene, tricresyl phosphate, xylol or xylene, or any other solvent, material substance, chemical, or combination thereof, having the property of releasing toxic vapors for the purpose of inducing a condition of intoxication, stupefaction, depression, giddiness, paralysis, or irrational behavior or in any manner changing, distorting, or disturbing the Auditory, visual, or mental processes. For the purposes of this section, any condition so induced shall be deemed to be an intoxicated condition.

(b) This section does not apply to:

(1) Any person who commits any act described herein pursuant to the direction or prescription of a licensed physician or dentist authorized to so direct or prescribe, including the inhalation of anesthesia for medical or dental purposes; or

(2) To any alcoholic liquor or nonintoxicating beer as defined in section five, article one, chapter sixty of this code.

(c) Any person who violates the provisions of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not more than $100 or be confined in a county or regional jail for not more than sixty days, or both fined and imprisoned.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 61-8-11

What does West Virginia Code § 61-8-11 cover?

Section 61-8-11 ("61-8-11. Breathing, inhaling, or drinking certain intoxicating compounds; penalty.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia § 61-8-11?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 61-8-11" (West Virginia). 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 West Virginia law?

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

How does West Virginia § 61-8-11 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia 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 West Virginia.