Which of the following is NOT a method for dispensing ephedrine?

Dispensing ephedrine involves adhering to specific regulations due to its classification as a controlled substance and its potential for misuse. The methods available for dispensing ephedrine include prescription, over-the-counter sales under certain conditions, and for legitimate medicinal use, as prescribed by healthcare professionals or in relevant therapeutic contexts.

Dispensing ephedrine for research purposes only does not align with normal dispensing practices for medicinal use. While research forms a crucial part of understanding and advancing therapeutic applications, it does not reflect a method of dispensing ephedrine that is available to the general public or healthcare providers for patient treatment. Therefore, this option represents a use case that is distinct from typical dispensing methods where patients receive medication for therapeutic reasons.