Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Legality of distillation glassware

achem500 - 21-7-2012 at 09:52

Well, I'm thinking about getting a distillation set, but I'm not sure if it's legal here in South Carolina. I've searched some websites but nothing turned up. Please help.

zoombafu - 21-7-2012 at 10:16

The only state that I think glassware is illegal in is Texas. So you should be fine.

Pyro - 21-7-2012 at 10:17

go inquire at the police station.
they can tell you in detail. and if it is you should be able to fill in a form to get it anyway. just says you will let them search house at random (1 time), and asks what you want to do with it.
zoombafu, you beat me by 1 minute :)

[Edited on 21-7-2012 by Pyro]

achem500 - 21-7-2012 at 10:42

Thanks a bunch for the help! Also, is Ethanol the only alcohol that's illegal to distill?

cyanureeves - 21-7-2012 at 10:50

buy it! i live in texas and i got labware that i bought because i knew i was going to do good stuff with it.if the law ever knocks on my door i will give them a tour of my lab and pretty color oxides,chlorides and nitrates.if a lawman wants to be deviate and only focuses on chemicals used for perverted reason then i'll be up against a pervert lawman and that is nothing new.i really really think that americans change laws by challenging them through example and not by just blatantly wanting to break the law.you have an interest in chemistry so go with it.

per.y.ohlin - 21-7-2012 at 11:14

Distilling alcohols other than ethanol shouldn't give you any problem from the law. Take a look at the DEA list of controlled substances if you're not sure.

Pyro - 21-7-2012 at 12:10

if you really need ethanol for something. you could distill shop bought ethanol (you buy it at 95% with a perfume and usually a different alcohol) or you can get 99% in a more specialized shop, you may need to declare the use though

Diablo - 21-7-2012 at 12:40

Or everclear should be legal there.

Dr.Bob - 21-7-2012 at 16:09

Having simple chemistry equipment should not be a problem, and you can even distill small amounts of ethanol for private use. (Medicinal purposes only...:-) I do hear that there are some crazy laws in TX, but don't know of any others. As long as you do go buy 50 boxes of Sudafed, you should be fine.

mr.crow - 21-7-2012 at 20:17

Just an off topic note, sorry for the rant

Never ever let the cops into your house (without a warrant). Never give up your rights or your privacy. "I have nothing to hide" is not a valid excuse

achem500 - 22-7-2012 at 11:36

Thanks! I'm glad that I can do most experiments without fear of being punished ;-D

chemrox - 22-7-2012 at 17:08

Dont ever ask the police questions about law. They know less than most attorneys. Ask the state legislator for your district's assistant to look it up for you or go to the statute books and learn to search them.