Supplying or Administering Cannabis Resin or Oil
In South Australia, supplying or administering cannabis resin or cannabis oil is a serious offence under section 33I of the Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA). Even if there is no sale or profit involved, you can face up to 10 years in prison or a $50,000 fine.
What is Supplying or Administering Cannabis Resin or Oil?
Supplying or administering cannabis resin or cannabis oil is a serious criminal offence under section 33J of the Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA).
Under section 33I, a person who supplies or administers a controlled drug to another person, or has possession of a controlled drug intending to supply or administer the drug to another person, is guilty of an offence.
This includes:
- Sharing cannabis oil or resin with a friend.
- Applying resin or oil topically to another person.
- Putting drops into someone else’s mouth.
- Passing around cannabis vapes containing oil.
Cannabis resin and oil are defined as controlled drugs under the Act, not as simple cannabis.
Book a same-day free 30-minute consultation or (08) 7094 2021 now to speak with a senior cannabis offence lawyer today. Your best defence is counting on it.
Penalty for Supplying or Administer Cannabis Oil or Resin
| Offence | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| Supplies or administers cannabis oil | $15 000 or imprisonment for 3 years, or both |
| Supplies or administers cannabis resin | $15 000 or imprisonment for 3 years, or both |
| Possession of cannabis resin intending to supply | $15 000 or imprisonment for 3 years, or both |
| Possession of cannabis oil intending to supply | $15 000 or imprisonment for 3 years, or both |
A charge under s33I may be laid even if:
- No money or exchange occurred.
- The recipient is a consenting adult.
- The amount was small.
Common Scenarios
- Sharing THC oil with a partner or friend with chronic pain.
- Administering homemade cannabis balm or drops to someone else.
- Giving someone a resin vape to try.
- Dropping oil under another person’s tongue for medical use.
Aggravating Factors That Increase Penalties
The following may elevate the charge or increase penalties:
- The person receiving the cannabis is a child (see Supplying to a Child).
- The offence occurred in a school zone (see School Zone Offences).
- The act involved a group or syndicate.
- The resin or oil was manufactured by the accused (see Manufacturing Cannabis Resin or Oil).
Defence Strategies
We assess every case for:
- Lack of intent to supply or administer.
- Improperly obtained evidence (e.g. illegal searches or recordings).
- Unlawful police procedure.
- Low-THC or CBD-only content (may rebut the charge if proven not controlled).
We often negotiate with prosecution to downgrade charges to:
- Possession (s33L) or
- Expiable offences (if amounts fall within Regulation 15 thresholds for resin).
Charged With Supplying or Administering Cannabis Resin or Oil?
These charges are misunderstood and often overcharged.
Do not assume you are safe just because no money changed hands.
We act quickly to protect your record, explain your options, and seek the most favourable outcome.
Book Your Free 30 Minute Initial Case Assessment.