(a) The Secretary shall register an applicant as a pharmacy, distributor, manufacturer, practitioner, researcher or other controlled substance registrant for purposes of manufacturing, distributing or dispensing, some or all of the controlled substances included in Schedules I-V who has an active, relevant underlying professional license in the State unless the Secretary determines that the issuance of that registration would be inconsistent with the public interest. In determining the public interest, the Secretary shall consider the following factors:
(1) Maintenance of effective controls against diversion of controlled substances into other than legitimate medical, scientific or industrial channels;
(2) Compliance with applicable federal, state and local law, including but not limited to such requirements as having a license to practice as a practitioner or having documented training and continuing education as a drug detection animal trainer;
(3) Any convictions of the applicant under any federal and state laws relating to any controlled substance;
(4) Past experience in the manufacture or distribution of controlled substances and the existence in the applicant's establishment of effective controls against diversion;
(5) Furnishing by the applicant of false or fraudulent material in any application filed under this chapter;
(6) Suspension or revocation of the applicant's federal registration to manufacture, distribute, prescribe, dispense or research controlled substances as authorized by federal law;
(7) Any professional license disciplined in any jurisdiction; and
(8) Any other factors relevant to the public interest.
(b) Registration under subsection (a) does not entitle a registrant to manufacture, research and distribute controlled substances in Schedule I or II other than those specified in the registration.
(c) Practitioners must be registered to dispense any controlled substances or to conduct research with controlled substances in Schedules II through V if they are authorized to dispense or conduct research under the law of this State. The Secretary need not require separate registration under this subchapter for practitioners engaging in research with nonnarcotic controlled substances in Schedules II through V where the registrant is already registered under this subchapter in another capacity. Practitioners registered under federal law to conduct research with Schedule I substances may conduct research with Schedule I substances within this State upon furnishing the Secretary evidence of that federal registration.
(d) Compliance by manufacturers and distributors with the federal law respecting registration (excluding fees) entitles them to be registered under this chapter.