§5–102.

    (a)    The General Assembly finds that:

        (1)    many of the substances listed in this title have a useful and legitimate medical purpose and are necessary to maintain the health and general welfare of the people of the State; but

        (2)    the illegal manufacture, distribution, possession, and administration of controlled dangerous substances have a substantial and detrimental effect on the health and general welfare of the people of the State.

    (b)    (1)    The purpose of this title is to establish a uniform law to control the manufacture, distribution, possession, and administration of controlled dangerous substances and related paraphernalia to:

            (i)    ensure their availability for legitimate medical and scientific purposes; but

            (ii)    prevent their abuse, which results in a serious health problem to the individual and represents a serious danger to the welfare of the people of the State.

        (2)    This title shall be liberally construed to accomplish this purpose.