Section 23. Any patient of Tewksbury hospital who has in his possession, within or outside the precincts thereof, any liquid or other article with intent to consume the same as an inebriant, or to convey, give, sell or deliver the same to any other patient thereof for such consumption, shall be punished by a fine of not more than fifty dollars or by imprisonment in a jail or house of correction for not more than six months. This section shall not apply to the possession, handling or consumption of any such liquid or article under lawful directions of a physician.