Can a pharmacy dispense a controlled substance without a prescription?

A pharmacy can dispense a controlled substance without a prescription under specific circumstances. The Controlled Substances Act does provide certain allowances for the dispensing of controlled substances without a prescription. For example, in some states, pharmacists may sell small quantities of specific controlled substances without a prescription, typically for legitimate medical purposes and within strict limits.

This approach allows pharmacies to address situations such as immediate needs where a patient may require a controlled substance quickly and cannot obtain a prescription. However, these exceptions are tightly regulated and vary by state law, making it essential for pharmacists to be familiar with both federal regulations and their specific state laws regarding these circumstances.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nuances of federal and state regulations regarding the dispensing of controlled substances. While the prohibition on dispensing without a prescription exists in many cases, there are specific exceptions that allow for it under certain conditions. Additionally, the statement about only schedule IV medications or limiting dispensing to emergencies is misleading because the regulations do not restrict these situations to a single schedule classification or solely to emergency scenarios.