It is clearly illegal to sell prescription drugs, and black market sales have contributed to many drug addiction issues in California. People will sometimes use narcotics or painkillers recreationally, for instance. Selling these pills to make a profit is just a form of drug distribution and is prohibited.
But what if you are not trying to distribute drugs on a large scale, and you are not even trying to make money? Maybe you just know someone else who could benefit from using the medication that you already have.
For instance, maybe you had back surgery and were given painkillers to help during your recovery. You did not take all of the pills, but when one of your friends has a similar surgery and is in significant pain, you consider sharing your leftover medication. Would that be legal?
Sharing is still illegal
No, you cannot share prescription medications. It is still illegal under California law. It does not matter if you receive financial compensation. All that matters is that you have transferred controlled substances to someone who does not have the proper prescription.
It is true that you may have meant well, as you were just trying to help your friend as they dealt with their own recovery. But having a good intent does not make this legal. You are still the only one who is authorized to possess or use those prescription medications.
This could lead to significant drug charges when you did not realize you were doing anything wrong. If you find yourself in this position, you must know what legal steps to take.