Final answer:
Healthcare professionals in Florida must obtain specific permits to dispense CII and CIII Controlled Substances, including for the medical use of marijuana. The state has implemented stringent regulations to combat the widespread problem of prescription drug abuse, including the over-prescription and illicit sale of opioids from 'pill mills'.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Florida, specific permits are required for healthcare professionals and facilities to dispense Controlled Substance medications such as CII (Schedule II) and CIII (Schedule III). For instance, to dispense medications like medical marijuana, which can be classified under the Controlled Substances categories, a licensed Florida physician must determine that such use is necessary for treating debilitating diseases. In response to significant issues with prescription drug abuse, especially concerning opioids, the state has developed strict regulations. Florida law does not authorize violations of federal law or any non-medical use, possession, or production of marijuana. The Florida Department of Health registers and regulates centers that produce and distribute medical marijuana and issues identification cards to patients and caregivers. This system was set up partly because Florida had a significant problem with so-called 'pill mills' where pain medications were over-prescribed and then sold on the street as drugs, leading to widespread abuse, particularly of medications like Oxycodone.