California legal term
Prescription in California Criminal Law
Current through 2026 California legislative session
In California criminal law, “Prescription” 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 “Prescription” mean in California criminal law?
“Prescription” means an oral order or electronic transmission prescription for a controlled substance given individually for the person(s) for whom prescribed, directly from the prescriber to the furnisher or indirectly by means of a written order of the prescriber. (Cal. Health & Safety Code § 11027)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.