§ 2C:35-11 — Imitation controlled dangerous substances; distribution, possession, manufacture, etc.; penalties

2C:35-11. Imitation controlled dangerous substances; distribution, possession, manufacture, etc.; penalties. a. It is unlawful for any person to distribute or to possess or have under his control with intent to distribute any substance which is not a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog: (1) Upon the express or implied representation to the recipient that the substance is a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog; or (2) Upon the express or implied representation to the recipient that the substance is of such nature, appearance or effect that the recipient will be able to distribute or use the substance as a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog; or (3) Under circumstances which would lead a reasonable person to believe that the substance is a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog. Any of the following shall constitute prima facie evidence of such circumstances: (a) The substance was packaged in a manner normally used for the unlawful distribution of controlled dangerous substances or controlled substance analogs. (b) The distribution or attempted distribution of the substance was accompanied by an exchange of or demand for money or other thing as consideration for the substance, and the value of the consideration exceeded the reasonable value of the substance. (c) The physical appearance of the substance is substantially the same as that of a specific controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog. b. It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, compound, encapsulate, package or imprint any substance which is not a controlled dangerous substance, controlled substance analog or any combination of such substances, other than a prescription drug, with the purpose that it resemble or duplicate the physical appearance of the finished form, package, label or imprint of a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog. c. In any prosecution under this section, it shall not be a defense that the defendant mistakenly believed a substance to be a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog. d. A violation of this section is a crime of the third degree, except that, notwithstanding the provisions of subsection b. of N.J.S.2C:43-3, a fine of up to $200,000.00 may be imposed. e. The provisions of this section shall not be applicable to (1) practitioners or agents, servants and employees of practitioners dispensing or administering noncontrolled substances to patients on behalf of practitioners in the normal course of their business or professional practice; and (2) persons who manufacture, process, package, distribute or sell noncontrolled substances to practitioners for use as placebos in the normal course of their business, professional practice or research or for use in Federal Food and Drug Administration investigational new drug trials. L.1987, c.106, s.1; amended 1997, c.181, s.7.