What is an important distinction for C-III drugs?

The important distinction for C-III drugs is that they have accepted medical use and a moderate potential for dependence. This classification is rooted in the Controlled Substances Act, which categorizes drugs into schedules based on their potential for abuse and recognized medical use. C-III drugs, which include medications such as anabolic steroids and certain formulations of hydrocodone, are recognized for legitimate medical applications, demonstrating a clear therapeutic benefit despite their potential for dependence. This aspect differentiates them from C-I drugs, which have no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.

The other options present misconceptions about C-III drugs; notably, they can indeed be prescribed, which directly contradicts the first statement. Additionally, C-III drugs have a potential for abuse that is lower than C-I substances, aligning them with moderate dependence rather than higher abuse potential. Lastly, the designation of being "safe for general use" oversimplifies the complexities of drug scheduling and ignores the careful regulations that govern controlled substances.