[Greenport]

What is the United States law's point of view about ordering (non-controlled/loosely controlled) chemicals and/or glassware? I study chemistry on my own time and oftentimes there are times when I wished I had certain substances to react with others, purely for the sake of education and/or fun. However I'm scared to order anything because I'd rather not even take the risk of being raided or something.

So when one orders chemicals/glassware for the specific use of chemistry experiments, are they automatically put on some sort of list or w/e and reported? Subject to search, etc? And also, in the case that one were to be searched like that, what steps could they take to prove that none of the chemicals ordered were used for anything illegal?

[Borek]

It can be state dependent. In Texas even owing a probe glass is illegal. Or at least that's what we have heard.

[constant thinker]

And also, in the case that one were to be searched like that, what steps could they take to prove that none of the chemicals ordered were used for anything illegal?

A. Just don't use it for anything illegal. If no illegal compounds can be detected then there is no case at all if hypothetically you get raided.

B. "Your honor, this case should be thrown out because there is no evidence that I have used the chemicals and glassware for anything illegal."

You'll be fine as long as you don't have people coming and going from your house at all hours. You have nothing to worry about in my opinion as long as you follow A.

What state do you live in?

[Greenport]

WA for the time being.

[billnotgatez]

Although it is laudable to believe that as long as you are doing nothing illegal you should be safe from the law, the reality can be very different. I assume that you are apprehensive because you know this to be true. What should be and what is are two different concepts.

The reality is that there are several layers of laws, all of which could effect you. There is international, federal (USA), state, and local. I doubt any one person on this list would know what your circumstances. A state may for instance deem it illegal to have too many Erlemyer flasks to be illegal without having a permit, while you can have all the guns you want. Even localities can restrict having certain chemicals based on zoning laws.

Although you may be in the right, these governing groups can effectively prevent you from having items just by keeping you in litigation and you can not afford all the legal fees.

There are countless laws on the books, which seem silly but they still exist. You can Google “silly laws”. Enforcement of said laws are at the whim of the local police forces.

There is a common understanding that police groups like the DEA and ATF routinely gather information on people who by chemicals that they deem to send up a red flag.

You are at the luck of the draw as to whether or not you will be taken in by the law for doing science. There is a guy who was or is in legal trouble for growing bacteria in petri dishes and putting it up as a work of art.

Having said all this, many people forge on and do their thing practicing citizen science. They are just taking their chances.

[hmx9123]

Find out what your state laws are.  It's illegal in Texas to own anything with a ground glass joint.  The state laws do vary quite widely.  Usually it's under 'chemical glassware' or something like that.