It is clearly illegal for you to sell prescription medications. For instance, maybe you recently had an invasive medical procedure, and you were given a substantial amount of painkillers to help you recover. If you sell these controlled substances, which are some of the most oft-abused substances in the United States, you have broken the law.
But what if no money changes hands? Say that you have a family member or a friend who was recently injured. They ask if they can have a few of the painkiller pills. You just want to help, so you give them what they are asking for. You do not make them pay, so does that insulate you from drug charges?
This is still illegal on multiple levels
No, this will not protect you from arrest. At both the state and federal level, this type of sharing of controlled substances is still illegal. It is a form of drug distribution. The law states that only you can possess or use those painkillers because only you have a valid prescription. If you give the pills to someone else, both you and that person could face arrest.
This law applies to more than just painkillers. Other prescription medications that people often share or use illegally include benzodiazepines (like Xanax) and stimulants (like Adderall). If a prescription is required, it must be followed. This is why sharing medicine, and not just selling it, remains illegal.
Your defense options
Are you facing charges, perhaps because you did not know you were even breaking the law when you shared your medications? Be sure you know exactly what defense options you have.