Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

If you have not been prescribed a medication, you cannot legally take that medication. This is Legal 101, Medical 101 and Freecycle 101. Sometimes people do it, anyway. Sometimes it's not a big deal for many reasons... maybe it's the exact same medicine that is prescribed to them but they're just taking a pill from the amount prescribed to someone else (but it's the same pill), maybe practical knowledge makes it obvious that it's okay to take that medicine for that particular condition... whatever the reasonably justification it's still illegal. It's just as illegal as giving someone a controlled substance that a physician would never allow them to take. The circumstances are different but the law governing both situations is the same. You cannot take medication that has not been prescribed to you.

In light of this law, Freecycle does not allow freecyclers to provide prescription medication to each other. The organization and individual lists simply do not have the authority to subvert the law. The same goes for alcohol, tobacco, firearms and pornography.

I can hardly believe the ridiculous OFFERs that inspire these posts.

Furthermore, if you are caught making this illegal mistake, do not throw a temper tantrum at the person who kindly and respectfully let you know. If you are the list moderator who approved the post with this illegal item, do not lecture the person who kindly and respectfully let you know about minding their own business.

Next time, I call the police.

As Always,
Me.

UPDATE:
I have been kicked off of that particular Freecycle list. I was also harassed and threatened by the Freecycler who tried to dish out illegal prescription medications to the public to a point where I had to recite her address back at her and threaten to call the police for her to back off. People can be ugly. And, remember kids, Just Say No!

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

Here's my favorite from today:

Subject: RE-OFFER: DIET SODA
Diet Mountain Holler, fridge-ready 12 pack...minus one can.

Just tell us that the soda tastes like ass and you'd like to share this 11 pack of vile misery with others. LOL

As Always,
Me.

Dear Fellow Freecyclers,

Hi. I have two very helpful suggestions today.

When you're offering books and you say they're old, that's good. When you say they're a little worn, that's a considerate disclosure, too. Don't omit that they're water damaged and moldy. Not only is that very gross but it is a health hazard. Some people are more sensitive to mold than others but you do not mess around with mold and this should not be a surprise during the pick-up. I agree wholeheartedly that it's a shame when old books are going to waste and I wish many of them could be passed on to people who would use them. They can't have mold. It may break your heart to throw them away but that's what needs to be done. You have no idea how mad I am at you.

When you're offering bath/body products, that's awesome. Lots of people love that stuff, the variety they can get, and to get it for free is incredible. That's really generous. It's great that you mentioned some of them were opened and partially used but you might just want to hold on to those. I'm sure someone will take it but... eww!

As Always,
Me.