Indiana state senator (D) introduces measure to make pseudoephedrine available by prescription only

[Newsjock]

Source: Terre Haute Tribune-Star

A bill to make an over-the-counter cold medicine once again available by prescription-only has been introduced to the Indiana General Assembly by Sen. Tim Skinner, but it could be a tough battle just to get the bill heard in committee.

Senate Bill 474 is a measure that would make materials, compounds, mixtures and preparations that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine available by prescription only. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine — or PSE — are known as precursor drugs used in the production of methamphetamine.

Skinner (D-Terre Haute) has been outspoken on the need for statewide action to limit the public’s access to the popular decongestant. And lately he has been trying to convince fellow legislators that prescription-only access to PSE is the best way to win the battle against meth production. So far, however, it has been a hard sell.

... The fiscal impact statement for SB 474 states that the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency and Board of Pharmacy Expenditures have estimated a cost of $127,000 to put ephedrine and pseudoephedrine on the controlled substance list, due to data collection and reporting requirements. The state would also incur about $24,000 annually in Medicaid claims due to the change.

Read more: http://tribstar.com/news/x1221298391/Skinner-Meth-bill-may-be-tough-sell

[endless october]

1. another idiot drug warrior.

it's not coming from CVS, idiot. it's coming from Mexico. and it probably wouldn't have caught on at all if not for the drug war itself.

they are fighting to ban this shit called "spice," also, which is nothing more than a shitty, more dangerous form of pot. which also would have never caught on if one could grow or buy pot.

[JonLP24]

3. Bingo

This article sums it up perfectly.

In 1995, High Times' Jon Gettman wrote, "The next century will view the 1988 discovery of the THC receptor site in the brain as the pivotal event which led to the legalization of marijuana."

But 15 years after Gettman's prediction, what that discovery really led to is the explosion of a new designer drug market in the face of marijuana's continued criminalization.

There are nearly 500 synthetic cannabinoid compounds already in existence, and hundreds of new potential formulas that haven't been developed yet. When one compound is made illegal, another quickly takes its place.

http://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/2010-08-19/news/high-science-synthetic-marijuana-is-legal-and-it-might-get-you-high-but-is-it-safe/3/

Overall best article I've read about "spice". The article also mentions it is commonly used by people on probation or parole and job seekers.

[barbiegeek]

5. You should read my reply before calling him an IDIOT

[dipsydoodle]

2. I can remember when they used the real McKoy

in nose inhalers. :rofl:

[barbiegeek]

4. Whoa, PLEASE READ: Ephedrine cross the blood brain barrier & causes psychosis

in people with brain disorders, bi-polar, autism, tourettes, ADHD, borderline personality disorder, and epilespy. They become violent, self injurious, seizure, uncontrollable tics, or suicidal. It is not a drug anyone can take and should be controlled.

I've seen it in real life and it's heartbreaking.

I've had psychiatrists (M.D.) express the need for it to be illegal for over-the-counter. He had they have one ER call a week on it and that is a community of 70,000 people. Hospitals in cities without a Psychiatrist on staff for ER don't always know this danger, will commit these people (when what they need is to flush it out of their systems)or will counteract the medication with extra seizure or tourettes meds, or sedative and that is LIFE THREATENING. IT"S BAD

I applaud him. Trust me an 2,000$ uncovered ER bill for taking sudafed is bullshit!! That doesn't include the cost if you have to pay for committal or overnight stay.

[endless october]

6. apirin kills, and so does water.

alcohol and cigarettes kill millions worldwide.

making cold medicine prescription only is ridiculous, and this legislator is an idiot drug warrior.

[proud2BlibKansan]

7. Thank you for such an informed post