(a) Every person who manufactures, distributes, or dispenses any controlled substance within this state or who proposes to engage in the manufacture, distribution, or dispensing of any controlled substance within this state must obtain annually a registration issued by the certifying boards in accordance with its rules.

(b) Persons registered by the certifying boards under this chapter to manufacture, distribute, dispense, or conduct research with controlled substances may possess, manufacture, distribute, dispense, or conduct research with those substances to the extent authorized by their registration and in conformity with the other provisions of this article.

(c) The following persons need not register and may lawfully possess controlled substances under this article:

(1) An agent or employee of any registered manufacturer, distributor, or dispenser of any controlled substance if he is acting in the usual course of his business or employment;

(2) A common or contract carrier or warehouseman or an employee thereof whose possession of any controlled substance is in the usual course of business or employment;

(3) An ultimate user or a person in possession of any controlled substance pursuant to a lawful order of a practitioner or in lawful possession of a Schedule V substance.

(d) The certifying boards may waive by rule the requirement for registration of certain manufacturers, distributors, or dispensers if they find it consistent with the public health and safety.

(e) A separate registration is required at each principal place of business or professional practice where the applicant manufactures, distributes, or dispenses controlled substances.

(f) The certifying boards may inspect the establishment of a registrant or applicant for registration in accordance with the rules and regulations promulgated by them.