Is Synthetic Urine Illegal in California?

Synthetic urine—commonly sold under brand names like Quick Fix and Upass—is legal in California. However,  illegal to sell or possess in California when intended to defraud a drug or alcohol screening. California Health & Safety Code § 24135 (2024) makes this clear by classifying synthetic urine as a “drug masking product.”

What the Law Says: California Health & Safety Code § 24135

Under California law, it is illegal to:

• Distribute synthetic urine with intent to defraud
• Deliver or sell synthetic urine with intent to defraud
• Possess synthetic urine with intent to defraud

This applies to any substance “designed to simulate the composition, chemical properties, physical appearance, or physical properties of human urine.” The law also covers substances added to hair or urine to alter test results—commonly known as drug masking agents.

“Drug masking product” means synthetic urine or any other substance designed to be added to human urine or human hair for the purpose of defrauding an alcohol or drug screening test. — CA Health & Safety Code § 24135 (2024)

What’s Prohibited in California

Unless specifically authorized by law (such as for medical, educational, or scientific purposes), the following actions are prohibited in California:

• Selling synthetic urine (e.g., Quick Fix, Upass)
• Possessing synthetic urine with intent to sell or distribute
• Distributing or delivering synthetic urine for drug test fraud

This statute targets individuals and businesses that promote synthetic urine as a means to cheat drug or alcohol screenings, which are commonly used in employment, probation, and legal settings.

Legal Exceptions

The law does not ban synthetic urine outright—it bans intent to use or distribute it for test fraud. That means synthetic urine may still be legally used in the following situations:

• Educational demonstrations
• Scientific research and lab calibration
• Novelty or fetish purposes with no intent to defraud

However, retailers and buyers alike should be cautious, as marketing or purchasing synthetic urine with any intent to defraud a test could lead to legal trouble.

Legal Synthetic Urine for Novelty & Research Use

If you're looking for synthetic urine kits for lawful purposes—such as calibration, novelty, or personal simulation—we offer trusted brands including Quick Fix, Upass, and XStream. All products are sold for legal use only.

Shop Legal Synthetic Urine Products

Related Resources

• Is Synthetic Urine Illegal? State-by-State Guide
• Can Drug Tests Detect Synthetic Urine?

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. We do not condone the use of synthetic urine to defraud a drug test. Please consult with legal counsel if you have questions about California law or synthetic urine use.