Legality of Drug Checking Equipment in the United States

Overview

States have been rapidly modifying their laws to increase access to drug checking equipment. Between August 1, 2021, and August 31, 2022, laws that permit drug checking equipment to be possessed, distributed, or both went into effect in ten states (Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin). An additional two states (California and Georgia) passed laws in that time period that will go into effect in 2023. Additionally, Louisiana and Texas added drug checking equipment to their overdose Good Samaritan laws.