What is the maximum quantity of a schedule 5 controlled substance that can be purchased without a prescription?

The maximum quantity of a schedule 5 controlled substance that can be purchased without a prescription is four ounces. This regulation is in place to balance the need for patients to access low-level controlled substances for legitimate medical purposes while preventing abuse and misuse.

Schedule 5 substances typically include medications that have a lower potential for abuse relative to those in higher schedules (such as Schedule I-V). The four-ounce limit is designed to provide enough medication for effective treatment while ensuring that individuals do not stockpile or abuse these substances.

Understanding the regulations around the purchase of controlled substances without a prescription is critical for pharmacists and those working in the healthcare field, as it helps ensure compliance with state and federal laws designed to protect public health.