Joe possessed four Oxycontin tablets, which require a prescription. What offense has he committed?

Joe possessed four Oxycontin tablets, which require a prescription. What offense has he committed?

• A. Possession of a Controlled Substance
• B. Possession of Marijuana
• C. Possession of a Dangerous Drug
• D. Possession with Intent to Distribute

Answer: (A)

The main idea being tested is that possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription is illegal. Oxycontin is a controlled substance that must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Therefore, having four tablets without a prescription constitutes possession of a controlled substance, which is a criminal offense. The other options don’t fit as well here: possession of marijuana would require marijuana, which isn’t involved in this scenario; a dangerous drug charge applies to other drugs that are labeled as dangerous but not controlled substances, whereas this situation centers on lacking a prescription for a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute would require evidence showing an intent to distribute, which isn’t indicated by the mere possession of a small, non-quantified amount like four tablets.

The main idea being tested is that possessing a controlled substance without a valid prescription is illegal. Oxycontin is a controlled substance that must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. Therefore, having four tablets without a prescription constitutes possession of a controlled substance, which is a criminal offense.

The other options don’t fit as well here: possession of marijuana would require marijuana, which isn’t involved in this scenario; a dangerous drug charge applies to other drugs that are labeled as dangerous but not controlled substances, whereas this situation centers on lacking a prescription for a controlled substance; possession with intent to distribute would require evidence showing an intent to distribute, which isn’t indicated by the mere possession of a small, non-quantified amount like four tablets.