Colorado has led the nation on the legalization of marijuana and mushrooms, but that doesn’t mean that the state is lax on other drug laws, particularly opioids (Percocet and OxyContin), stimulants (Adderall) and benzodiazepines (Xanax). In fact, some may be surprised to find that they qualify as accidental drug dealers in Colorado because they shared their prescription medication with a friend or family member.
A good deed gone wrong
Addiction to fentanyl and other prescription claims the lives of thousands each year. Colorado courts are aware of this and take a very dim view of those distributing to others with a prescription. It may seem compassionate to help someone who hurt their back on the slopes, has trouble sleeping or endures some other discomfort or illness. However, many legal medications still qualify as illegal if unprescribed controlled substances.
There are also risks for the user
Those who provide the drugs run the risk of an undesired consequence:
- The drugs may have a different or more extreme effect than it does on the individual with the prescription.
- There could be serious side effects that create problems or make the situation worse.
- Prescription drugs can also act as gateway drugs that lead to other hard drugs like heroin.
The penalties are severe
Possessing illegal drugs is a misdemeanor or a lesser felony, but those accused of distribution or dealing face much more stringent charges and perhaps even time in jail. Those with questions about an arrest involving prescription drugs should take these matters seriously regardless of how silly they think the charges are.
