What does it mean 'to distribute' a controlled substance?

'To distribute' a controlled substance refers specifically to the act of delivering a substance to another person without administering or dispensing it. This definition encompasses a broad range of actions, such as transferring the substance from one person to another, which can include a variety of scenarios beyond just selling.

This meaning is significant within the context of law enforcement and drug-related offenses, as it captures not only commercial transactions but also other forms of distribution that may not necessarily involve a financial exchange. For example, sharing drugs among friends or passing them out at a party could fall under this definition.

In contrast, other choices imply specific actions or contexts that do not fully encompass the legal definition of distribution. Selling implies a commercial transaction, producing refers to the creation of a substance, and sharing suggests an informal exchange, all of which are narrower scopes than the broader definition of 'distribute.'