California legal term
Drug-related overdose in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Drug-related overdose” 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 “Drug-related overdose” mean in California criminal law?
“Drug-related overdose” means an acute medical condition that is the result of the ingestion or use by an individual of one or more controlled substances or one or more controlled substances in combination with alcohol, in quantities that are excessive for that individual that may result in death, disability, or serious injury. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 11376.5)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.