Pharmacy Syringe Access

As of January 1, 2015, any pharmacy in the state may sell an unlimited number of syringes to adults age 18 and older without a prescription. Adults may also purchase and possess an unlimited number of syringes for personal use without a prescription. Pharmacies are not required to sell syringes without a prescription, and many pharmacies are still unaware of the law that encourages nonprescription syringe sale. The California Department of Public Health, Office of AIDS is advising pharmacies that participate in California's AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) to sell syringes without a prescription, and many have begun to offer the service. To find an ADAP pharmacy near you, use the pharmacy locator. Enter your zip code and call the pharmacy listed to ask if they provide nonprescription syringe sales.

Pharmacy Locator​

​Contact Information

To contact the CDPH/Office of AIDS Harm Reduction Unit, please email sspinfo@cdph.ca.gov ​​