I believe the debate is about the need for a prescription for non-scheduled mediactions which Ultram is. I would suggest reading the DEA pharmacists manual located at the DEA website. To legally dispense this medication a prescription is required. It is not an over the counter medication. There is also a section on how pharmacists can provide emergency dispensing that must be recorded to people that walk in. It is rarely done. There are also many state laws that describe a precription and what is entailed to legally dispense any medications scheduled or non-scheduled. Ultram is not something you can buy at GNC or your local head shop and is not considered a suppliment and therefore doesn't follow FDA rules governing suppliments. Take care. Billylll