Distribution

Distribution under the CSA means the actual, constructive, or attempted transfer of a controlled substance from one person to another, whether or not for remuneration (21 U.S.C. §§ 802(11), 841(a)). Unlike "sale," distribution does not require a commercial transaction — sharing a joint can constitute distribution. Federal penalties under 21 U.S.C. § 841(b) scale with quantity: up to 5 years for less than 50 kg of marijuana (non-mandatory); 5–40 years for 100 kg or more; and life exposure for 1,000 kg or more. State distribution statutes mirror this structure. In state-legal markets, licensed "distribution" is a specific mid-tier license category (most prominently in California under Bus. & Prof. Code § 26070) that moves product between cultivators, manufacturers, and retailers and typically handles quality-assurance testing and excise-tax collection. The statutory criminal offense and the licensed commercial function share a name but refer to different concepts. *→ See also: Trafficking, Intent to distribute, → see also [Part 7]: Distributor