Rhode Island Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence (MPJE) Practice Exam

In an apothecary, what is the maximum quantity of opium that can be dispensed without a prescription?

1. 30 mg

2. 30.1 mg

3. 1 fl oz

4. 2 fl oz

The correct answer is: 30.1 mg

The correct response is grounded in the specific regulatory limits established for the dispensing of controlled substances without a prescription. In many jurisdictions, the law stipulates that there is a maximum quantity of certain controlled substances, including opium, that can be provided to a patient without the need for a prescription. The maximum quantity often permitted is typically set at 30 mg. In some cases, regulations allow for a small permissible variation in measurement, which may account for differences in how potential amounts could be interpreted or measured in practice. Hence, while 30 mg itself is the threshold, an amount slightly above this limit—such as 30.1 mg—would fall outside the permissible range for non-prescription dispensing. Therefore, the answer is based on an understanding of both the specific legal parameters that govern the dispensing of opium and the potential allowances for measurements that remain compliant with these regulations. The emphasis on 30 mg as the threshold is a critical point in pharmacy law, ensuring that pharmacists adhere to safe dispensing practices and regulatory compliance.