You are not trying to sell painkillers, but you just want to give them away for free. You have no intention of distributing drugs and you’re not trying to make a profit.
Instead, you simply have leftover painkillers from a legitimate medical procedure that you never threw away. Maybe you have a close friend or a family member who asks if they can have them. They say they’ve been dealing with some chronic pain issues and they’d like to see if the medication works for them. If it does, then they can go to the doctor and get their own prescription.
Why is this a problem?
If you give your friend or family member the prescription painkillers in the hypothetical scenario described above, you are technically breaking both federal and state law. Sharing prescriptions is illegal.
You may claim that you aren’t trying to sell drugs or break the law, pointing out that you were just trying to help someone else. Unfortunately, your intent doesn’t necessarily change the situation. By the letter of the law, it’s illegal to transfer your prescription drugs to someone else, and it’s illegal for them to own or use those drugs without the prescription.
What options do you have?
There is currently an opioid epidemic in the United States, which is why the laws surrounding prescription medications are so strict. You could certainly find yourself facing charges that you don’t believe are warranted since you never intended to commit a crime at all. A conviction could have a massive impact on your future and your freedom, so be sure you are well aware of all the legal options at your disposal.