According to federal law, which schedules of controlled substances can be dispersed throughout a community pharmacy's stock?

The correct response identifies that Schedule III and IV controlled substances can be dispersed throughout a community pharmacy's stock based on federal law. These schedules include medications that have a recognized medical use and a lower potential for abuse compared to Schedule I and II substances.

Schedule III substances are those with a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence, which allows for them to be stored and dispersed more flexibly within the pharmacy setting. Examples of Schedule III medications include certain anabolic steroids and medications containing less than 90 mg of codeine per dosage unit.

Similarly, Schedule IV substances have an even lower potential for abuse and dependence. This schedule includes common medications like alprazolam and diazepam, which can be dispensed in a community pharmacy without the stricter regulatory controls that apply to Schedule I and II substances.

In contrast, Schedule I substances are those that have no accepted medical use and are considered to have a high potential for abuse, making them illegal to possess or dispense. Schedule II substances, although they have medical applications, have a high potential for abuse and are subject to strict regulations regarding their storage and record-keeping.

Thus, a community pharmacy's ability to manage and dispense Schedule III and IV substances more freely reflects their relatively lower risk profiles in