def get_distribution(dist):
    """Return a current distribution object for a Requirement or string"""
    if isinstance(dist, str):
        dist = Requirement.parse(dist)
    if isinstance(dist, Requirement):
        dist = get_provider(dist)
    if not isinstance(dist, Distribution):
        raise TypeError("Expected string, Requirement, or Distribution", dist)
    return dist
Return a current distribution object for a Requirement or string
src/pkg_resources/__init__.py