ARS 13-3461: Placebos
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-3461 on placebos, and how this section is used in Arizona criminal cases. It defines terms and procedure rather than creating an offense.
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Full Text of A.R.S. § 13-3461
A.R.S. § 13-3461 is the Arizona statute on placebos. It sets out procedure and rules rather than defining an offense, so no offense class or sentence attaches to this section on its own.
Notwithstanding any contrary statute, the manufacture, distribution, possession, possession with intent to distribute or possession with intent to use placebos in this state by the following persons is not unlawful:
1. Exempt manufacturers, wholesalers and pharmacists under sections 32-1921 and 32-1961.
2. Medical practitioners, pharmacies and pharmacists while acting in the course of their professional practice, in good faith and in accordance with generally accepted medical standards.
3. Persons who lawfully acquire placebos and use them only for scientific purposes.
4. Officers and employees of the United States, this state or a political subdivision of this state and peace officers while acting in the course of their official duties.
5. An employee or agent of a person described in paragraphs 1 through 4 of this subsection or a registered nurse or medical technician under the supervision of a medical practitioner while the employee, agent, nurse or technician is acting in the course of his professional practice or employment and not on his own account.
6. A common or contract carrier or warehouseman or an employee of such a carrier or warehouseman whose possession of placebos is in the usual course of business or employment.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3461, Arizona Legislative Council revision of 09/19/25. Read the official text on azleg.gov. Statutes change; verify the current version before relying on it.
Related Statutes in Chapter 34.1 — Imitation Substance Or Drug Offenses
- A.R.S. § 13-3459 — Manufacture of certain substances and drugs by certain means
- A.R.S. § 13-3458 — Possession or possession with intent to use an imitation over-the-counter drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3457 — Possession or possession with intent to use an imitation prescription-only drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3456 — Possession or possession with intent to use imitation controlled substance
- A.R.S. § 13-3455 — Manufacture or distribution of imitation over-the-counter drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3454 — Manufacture or distribution of imitation prescription-only drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3453 — Manufacture or distribution of imitation controlled substance
How § 13-3461 Affects an Arizona Case
§ 13-3461 usually matters because of how it interacts with the charge someone is actually facing. We read it alongside the charging statute, because a definition or a procedural rule frequently decides what the State must prove, what a judge may impose, or what relief is available afterward.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is A.R.S. § 13-3461?
A.R.S. § 13-3461 is the Arizona statute on placebos. It sets out rules that apply across Arizona criminal cases rather than defining a single offense.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-3461?
The Arizona Legislature publishes it at azleg.gov, in the revision dated 09/19/25. The complete text is reproduced on this page, and every Arizona criminal statute is searchable on our Arizona Criminal Code index.
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