Oregon's Innovative Meth Bill Becomes Law



JOSEPH B. FRAZIER
Associated Press


PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- Gov. Ted Kulongoski signed legislation Tuesday that will make Oregon the first state to require prescriptions for everyday cold and allergy medications that can be converted into methamphetamine.

The requirement applies to any medication containing pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient in making meth.

''This is a tremendous start but we must recognize that it is just that, a start,'' the governor said. ''We have a long way to go.''

Oregon and several other states already require consumers to show identification and sign a log when obtaining over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines such as Sudafed and Claritin D from pharmacies, and Congress is moving toward similar restrictions.

Kulongoski said he was aware that the law might cause inconvenience for allergy and cold sufferers but said pharmaceutical companies already are producing replacement medications that don't contain pseudoephedrine and can't be converted to meth. He held up a list of 40 such products.

The bill sailed though both houses of the Legislature, opposed by only a handful of lawmakers who cited the inconvenience for their constituents.

The state Board of Pharmacy has until next July to implement the prescription requirement, but board executive director Gary Schnabel said it could be in place within three months.

Patients will be allowed up to five refills in a six-month period, Schnabel said.

Tom Holt, executive director of the Oregon State Pharmacy Association, said he thinks the law will drive pseudoephedrine-containing products off the market within a year or two.

While increasing amounts of methamphetamine come from Mexico, bill supporters say the law could sharply reduce the number of home meth labs, where the chemicals used in the process can pose severe health problems.

Kulongoski estimated that 20 to 25 percent of the meth sold in Oregon comes from such home labs.

He also signed a bill increasing the penalty for drug crimes involving children and bills for funding drug courts, for related corrections expenses and other costs.

So will possession of sudaphed without a Rx be an arrestable offense in Oregon now?

cuz da meth heads be usen it all up in their tubs

"Innovative"?!?

Oh for Christ sakes.  

Thanks mother government for watching out for me so I need to go to the doctor to get a fucking cold pill.

Why dont they just spike the stuff so when you make meth with it kills you?

Quoted: Why dont they just spike the stuff so when you make meth with it kills you?

Now that is a great idea!

Nice,  punish law abiding alergy sufferers in an effort to reduce meth consumption by say zero.

War on Drugs for the win!