Which Health and Safety Code section addresses the use of controlled substances?

• A. HS 11350
• B. HS 11357
• C. HS 11377
• D. HS 11550

Answer: (D)

Using a controlled substance is addressed in Health and Safety Code section 11550. This provision makes it illegal to knowingly use any controlled substance listed in Schedules I, II, or III, outside of authorized medical use, and it covers being under the influence. The focus is on the act of using, not merely possessing the drug, which is why this section specifically targets use rather than possession.

The other sections deal with possession: one section criminalizes possessing controlled substances, another covers possession of marijuana under certain amounts, and another covers possession of various other controlled substances. Those statutes punish having the drugs in possession or control, not the act of using them. So the use-focused statute is the best fit for questions about illegal use of controlled substances.