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Can you share prescription medications?

On Behalf of | Jan 22, 2025 | Criminal Defense

Legally, you know that you are not supposed to obtain many medications without first getting a prescription. These controlled substances, such as painkillers, require you to follow the proper steps: Talking to your doctor, getting a prescription when the doctor determines you need the medication and having it filled properly at the pharmacy.

Once you have done this, it is legal for you to possess and use those substances. However, you may wonder if this means you can also share them with someone else.

For example, say you undergo surgery and receive a prescription for painkillers during your recovery. A close friend mentions that they’ve been experiencing significant pain, and you believe the medication could help them. You simply want to do what’s best for your friend. Can you share some of your medication with them?

Why this violates the law

As you may have guessed, sharing your prescription medication is illegal. It violates the law because your friend would not have the correct prescription from a doctor, making it illegal for them to possess or use the medication under federal law.

Moreover, it is also illegal for you to knowingly transfer the medication into someone else’s possession. While you are allowed to have these substances because you followed the proper legal channels, that does not mean you can do anything you want with them. You must use the medication in accordance with the prescription, which means it is only for your personal use.

Serious consequences

As you can see, even trying to be helpful could accidentally lead to an arrest on serious drug charges. If this happens, it’s important to understand your defense options.