720 ILCS 635/1 – Possession of Hypodermic Syringes and Needles
This law says who can legally have hypodermic needles or syringes in Illinois.
This statute explains that most people are not allowed to have hypodermic needles or syringes unless they belong to certain professions or are part of approved programs. It also allows adults to buy and carry a small number of needles or syringes from a pharmacy.
(a) Most people cannot have hypodermic needles, syringes, or similar items used to inject drugs, unless they are one of the following or working under their direction:
- Doctors, dentists, chiropodists, or veterinarians licensed in Illinois or in their home state.
- Registered nurses or embalmers, or companies that make or sell embalming supplies.
- Wholesale pharmacists, manufacturing pharmacists, or registered pharmacists.
- Manufacturers of surgical instruments or people using these tools in industry.
- Government officials who need the items for their work duties.
- Nurses or lab technicians working for a doctor or dentist.
- Employees of hospitals acting under the orders of their supervisors.
- Delivery workers or messengers transporting these items.
- Anyone with a special permit issued under Section 5 of this law.
- Farmers using the equipment for livestock care.
- People doing chemical, clinical, pharmaceutical, or other scientific research.
- Staff, volunteers, or participants in a needle or syringe access program.
Exceptions are made as listed in subsection (b)
(b) Anyone who is 18 years or older may legally buy and possess up to 100 hypodermic needles or syringes from a pharmacy.
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