Which Health and Safety Code section is typically charged for possession of a controlled substance?

Which Health and Safety Code section is typically charged for possession of a controlled substance?

• A. HS 11550
• B. HS 11357
• C. HS 11350
• D. HS 11377

Answer: (C)

Possession of a controlled substance is addressed by Health and Safety Code 11350. This statute makes it illegal to possess a controlled substance unless you’re legally authorized (for example, by a prescription). It covers a wide range of drugs on the controlled substances schedules, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and similar substances, focusing on the act of possession itself rather than use or sale. The other sections relate to different drug offenses: 11550 deals with being under the influence of a controlled substance, not simply possessing it; 11357 targets marijuana possession (historically, separate from the general controlled-substance provision); and 11377 covers possession of certain specified dangerous drugs under circumstances that can involve different charges or penalties.

Possession of a controlled substance is addressed by Health and Safety Code 11350. This statute makes it illegal to possess a controlled substance unless you’re legally authorized (for example, by a prescription). It covers a wide range of drugs on the controlled substances schedules, such as heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and similar substances, focusing on the act of possession itself rather than use or sale.

The other sections relate to different drug offenses: 11550 deals with being under the influence of a controlled substance, not simply possessing it; 11357 targets marijuana possession (historically, separate from the general controlled-substance provision); and 11377 covers possession of certain specified dangerous drugs under circumstances that can involve different charges or penalties.