Final answer:
The quantity of a Schedule III controlled substance that can be dispensed from a verbal prescription in Florida is regulated, but specific amounts are not provided in the question. Florida's history with prescription drug abuse is connected to the state's high elderly population and geography, which contributed to it becoming a hub for illegal prescription drug distribution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Under Florida law, the quantity of a Schedule III controlled substance that a pharmacist may dispense from a verbal prescription is subject to specific regulations set to control the misuse and abuse of these medications, which have potential for moderate to low physical dependence or high psychological dependence.
Unfortunately, the question does not provide sufficient detail to answer specifically for Schedule III substances, as the quantity can vary depending on multiple factors such as the specific medication, the intended use, and the prescribing practitioner's instructions.
Florida has experienced significant challenges with prescription drug abuse, particularly with pain medications like opioids due to various reasons including its large elderly population, leading to a high demand for pain management therapies and making it a target for so-called "pill mills."
The state's extensive coastline and its position as a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America also contribute to the trafficking routes for illicit substances, which, in combination with the interstate system, facilitated the distribution of opioids across the region.