Md. Code, Criminal Law § 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.