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HomeHealth and Safety CodeDiv. 10Ch. 6Art. 4§ 11375 Prescription Drug Possession Penalties

§ 11375 Prescription Drug Possession Penalties

Health and Safety Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 11375 Prescription Drug Possession Penalties

Key Takeaways

  • •Selling or planning to sell certain pills (like Xanax or Valium) without permission can get you in big trouble—you might go to jail for up to a year.
  • •Just having these pills without a doctor’s note can also get you in trouble, but it’s usually less serious—like a ticket or a small fine.
  • •This rule only applies to specific pills listed, like sleeping pills or anxiety medicine—not all drugs.

Example

If you sell your friend some Xanax pills you got without a prescription.

You could go to jail for up to a year because selling these pills without permission is against the law.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 11375 Prescription Drug Possession Penalties

(a)  As to the substances specified in subdivision (c), this section, and not Sections 11377, 11378, 11379, and 11380, shall apply. (b)  (1)  A person who possesses for sale, or who sells, a substance specified in subdivision (c) shall be punished by imprisonment in the county jail for a period of not more than one year or state prison. (2)  A person who possesses a controlled substance specified in subdivision (c), unless upon the prescription of a physician, dentist, podiatrist, or veterinarian, licensed to practice in this state, shall be guilty of an infraction or a misdemeanor. (c)  This section shall apply to a material, compound, mixture, or preparation containing any of the following substances: (1)  Chlordiazepoxide. (2)  Clonazepam. (3)  Clorazepate. (4)  Diazepam. (5)  Flurazepam. (6)  Lorazepam. (7)  Mebutamate. (8)  Oxazepam. (9)  Prazepam. (10)  Temazepam. (11)  Halazepam. (12)  Alprazolam. (13)  Propoxyphene. (14)  Diethylpropion. (15)  Phentermine. (16)  Pemoline. (17) Triazolam. (Amended (as amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 838, Sec. 2) by Stats. 2024, Ch. 98, Sec. 2. (AB 2018) Effective January 1, 2025. Superseded on operative date of amendment by Stats. 1996, Ch. 109, as further amended by Sec. 1 of Stats. 2001, Ch. 838.)

Last verified: January 23, 2026

Key Terms

controlled substancespossession for saleinfractionmisdemeanorprescription

Related Statutes

  • § 11375.5 Synthetic Stimulant Sales Ban
  • § 11352.1 Unlicensed Drug Dispensing Penalties
  • § 11357 Minor Cannabis Possession Penalties
  • § 11357.5 Synthetic Cannabinoid Prohibition
  • § 11364.7 Drug Paraphernalia Prohibition

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Health and Safety Code. Section 11375.
View Official Source