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BILL IN KENTUCKY HOUSE ATTEMPTS TO CURTAIL METHAMPHETAMINE PRODUCTION

FRANKFORT, Ky.  ( AP ) -- A bill aimed at stopping the use of over-the-counter cold medication as an ingredient in methamphetamine was introduced in the Kentucky House.

Under the bill, people found in possession of certain ingredients in cold medication intended for a batch of methamphetamine would be guilty of a felony.  The ingredients include ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

The bill would limit to 24 grams the amount of the cold-medication ingredients that people could possess.

Such an amount would equal dozens of boxes of cold medicine, the bill's supporters said.

Retail and wholesale drug distributors would be exempt from that restriction, as would pharmacists, chemists and other health-care professionals.

The bill would also make it a felony to distribute cold medication knowing that its intended use was to produce methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine, or "meth," has become a popular "club drug" among gay men.  Health researchers say using meth contributes to lapses in practicing safe sex.