California legal term
Distribute in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Distribute” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the California criminal code.
What does “Distribute” mean in California criminal law?
“Distribute” means to deliver other than by administering or dispensing a controlled substance. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 11012)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.