No. Cannibalism itself is not explicitly criminalized in Maryland’s criminal code, but related acts—such as murder, corpse abuse, or endangerment—are prosecuted under existing statutes. The state’s legal framework prioritizes public health and decency, with the Maryland Department of Health monitoring extreme cases under public safety regulations. Recent 2026 compliance guidance from the Maryland Office of the Attorney General emphasizes that even consensual acts may trigger involuntary civil commitments if deemed a threat to societal norms.
Key Regulations for Cannibalism in Maryland
- Homicide Prohibitions (Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 2-201): Any act resulting in death—regardless of consent—violates Maryland’s murder statutes, punishable by life imprisonment or death.
- Abuse of Corpse (Md. Code Ann., Crim. Law § 3-201): Desecrating human remains, including consumption, constitutes a felony with up to 10 years’ imprisonment.
- Public Health & Safety Orders (Md. Code Ann., Health-Gen. § 18-101): The Maryland Department of Health may intervene in extreme cases via emergency quarantine or involuntary psychiatric evaluation under the Public Safety Code.
Local prosecutors in Baltimore and Montgomery Counties have historically pursued charges under these provisions, particularly in cases involving coercion or minors. Federal laws (e.g., 18 U.S.C. § 1111) may also apply if interstate elements are present. Consent is not a viable defense under Maryland’s legal framework.