Drug Paraphernalia
KRS 218A.500 — a Class A misdemeanor, and no charge for a needle declared before a search
Using or possessing with intent to use any equipment for growing, making, storing, concealing, injecting, ingesting or inhaling a controlled substance unlawfully is a Class A misdemeanor, and so is delivering it knowing it will be used that way.
- Before a search, an officer may ask about needles or other sharp objects and offer not to charge paraphernalia if the person declares them.
- A person who admits to the needle or sharp object before the search is not charged with paraphernalia for it, or with possession for residual or trace amounts in it.
- A local health department may run a syringe exchange, and items exchanged there are not paraphernalia while at the program.
- Pharmacies may sell syringes and needles without a prescription.
Sources for this section (1)
- KRS 218A.500 — Definitions for KRS 218A.500 and 218A.510 -- Unlawful practices -- Substance abuse treatment outreach program -- Informing peace officer about presence of needles or other sharp objects before search -- Retail pharmacy exception -- Narcotic drug testing products-- Penalties
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Kentucky attorney.