Which term refers to the actual care, custody, control, or management of a substance?

The term that refers to the actual care, custody, control, or management of a substance is possession. In legal and regulatory contexts, possession encompasses not just physical ownership but also the responsibility associated with having control over a substance. This includes the ability to make decisions regarding its usage, storage, and handling, which ties into various health and safety regulations designed to mitigate risks associated with potentially hazardous substances.

Production, distribution, and manufacturing relate to processes involved in creating, moving, or producing substances rather than merely having oversight or control over them. While these terms are connected to the broader framework of substance management, they do not capture the essence of custody and management that possession does. Thus, possession stands out as the most accurate term in this context.