Chap. 164.—An ACT to amend the Code of Virginia, by adding thereto five new
sections, to be numbered 1698-a, 1698-b, 1698-c, 1698-d and 1698-e, relating
to the sale of hypnotic drugs. [fH B 323]

Approved March 20, 1930

1. Be it enacted by the general assembly of Virginia, That the
Code of Virginia be amended by adding thereto five new sections to
be numbered sixteen hundred and ninety-eight-a, sixteen hundred and
ninety-eight-b, sixteen hundred and ninety-eight-c, sixteen hundred and
ninety-eight-d and sixteen hundred and ninety-eight-e, which new sec-
tions shall read as follows:

Section 1698-a. In the following four sections, unless the context
otherwise requires, the words “hypnotic drug” include:

Sulphonmethane (sulphonal).

Sulphonethylmethane (trional).

Diethyl sulphonedrethylmethane (tetronal).

Diethyl barbituric acid (barbital), or any of the foregoing by what-
soever trade name or designation; or any compound, preparation, mix-
ture or solution thereof; or any salt or derivative thereof or of barbi-
turic acid possessing hypnotic properties or effects.

Chloral hydrate or any mixture or solution thereof containing
twenty grains or more thereof to the fluid ounce.

Section 1698-b. No person other than a licensed pharmacist shall
sell or offer to sell any hypnotic drug to consumers or have such drug
in his possession with intent to sell or give away to consumers.

Section 1698-c. No person shall sell or give away any hypnotic
drug to a consumer except on a written prescription of a doctor of
medicine, doctor of dental surgery, or doctor of veterinary surgery,
lawfully practicing his profession in this State, which prescription shall
not be refilled.

Section 1698-d. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit
the sale of hypnotic drugs to, nor to the dispensing of hypnotic drugs
in the course of their professional practice by, doctors of medicine,
doctors of dental surgery or doctors of veterinary surgery lawfully
practicing their profession in this State, or to registered retail or whole-
sale pharmacists, or to hospitals and other institutions for the treat-
ment of defective, afflicted, sick and injured persons.

Section 1698-e. Any person who shall violate any provisions of
sections sixteen hundred and ninety-eight-b, or sixteen hundred and
ninety-eight-c shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and upon con-
viction thereof for the first offense shall be fined not more than one hun-
dred dollars, and upon conviction of a second offense, shall be fined
not more than one thousand dollars, or shall be imprisoned in jail not
exceeding six months, or both, at the discretion of the court.