You recently received a diagnosis for ADHD and now take prescribed medication for it. Someone you know who also takes legally prescribed medication had an encounter with California law enforcement that resulted in a drug charge. How do you avoid the same thing happening to you?
CHADD offers tips for legally carrying a prescription outside your home. Ensure that police do not get the wrong idea about your ADHD medication.
The Controlled Substances Act
One of the most essential facts to know is that the law classifies a major percentage of ADHD medications as controlled substances under The Controlled Substances Act. Substances included in the act come with the possibility of misuse or abuse. The lower the level, which spans from Schedule I to Schedule IV, the lower the risk of abuse. A majority of ADHD medications fall under the Schedule II category, giving them major potential for abuse. Beyond the Controlled Substances Act, states have their own regulations and penalties surrounding medications.
The legality of carrying ADHD medication outside your home
You, a caretaker or your parent may carry your ADHD prescription outside your home. Even then, only take your medication with you if you have little choice but to. If you do, keep your prescription in its original medicine bottle with the original prescription label that has your legal name and the prescription date. To be on the safe side, the next time you fill your prescription, ask your pharmacist for a smaller labeled bottle that can carry a few pills outside your home. Along with a labeled medicine bottle, carry your actual prescription, too.
Stay on the right side of the law while tending to your health. Understanding your rights and responsibilities keeps you from experiencing a rude awakening with the police.