What does section 8(1) of the 1997 Act exempt from prosecution?

Section 8(1) of the 1997 Act provides exemptions related to the medical use of a syringe, clarifying that possession of a syringe for medical purposes is not punishable under this legislation. The intent behind this provision is to ensure that individuals who require syringes for legitimate medical reasons, such as administering insulin or other medications, are not subject to criminal prosecution. This promotes responsible use and access to necessary medical equipment without fear of legal repercussions.

In contrast, the other options involve scenarios that do not align with the intent of the legislation. For instance, possession of a firearm for hunting or using a syringe for drug use does not fall under the exemptions provided by the Act due to their potential association with unlawful activities. Abandoning a syringe in public can lead to health hazards and is also not covered under the medical exemptions stated in the Act, as this action does not pertain to a legitimate medical use. Thus, the focus of the exemption in section 8(1) is specifically on medical use, underscoring the importance of distinguishing between legitimate medical purposes and other contexts in which syringes may be involved.