One particular area of law that is in constant flux is California’s drug laws. Generally, it is illegal to possess, distribute, sell, or manufacture a controlled substance. Depending on the type of drug, the amount, and how it was possessed or used, you can be charged with a misdemeanor or a felony. If you should find yourself in legal trouble, you should talk to an experienced drug crime lawyer.

What are “Controlled Substances”

A controlled substance is a psychoactive drug designated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as having addictive qualities and little or no medicinal use. These psychoactive substances can be stimulants (cocaine, amphetamine), euphoriants (MDMA, “Molly”), cannabinoids (THC, marijuana), depressants (opiods, barbiturates), hallucinogens (LSD, salvia, psilocybin), and anxiolytics (benzodiazepine).

Depending on the type of drug, the DEA designates the substance within a range of schedules. These schedules are ranked from highest addiction with least medicinal value (Schedule I), to drugs with lower rates of addiction and some medicinal value (Schedule IV). Under California drug law, the illegality of controlled substances follows almost identically to that of the federal DEA’s schedule. One major exception, however, is the manner in which marijuana (aka “medicinal marijuana” or “medical marijuana”) is treated in California.

The Most Common California Drug Laws

For a more detailed discussion of California Drug Laws, you may click on the links below for more information:

For anyone who has been arrested or is being charged with possessing, selling, or manufacturing drugs, you are highly encouraged to contact an experienced lawyer in California to prepare a good defense and minimize as much punishment as possible.