Pubdate: Thu, 13 Jan 2005 Source: Des Moines Register (IA) Copyright: 2005 The Des Moines Register Contact: http://DesMoinesRegister.com/help/letter.html Website: http://desmoinesregister.com/index.html Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/123 Author: Lee Rood, Register Staff Writer DRUG GROUP ENCOURAGES RESTRICTIONS A national drug-law policy organization is encouraging all states to put in place tough restrictions on pseudoephedrine sales to discourage domestic meth production. But the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws has yet to advocate for a single approach. "We don't have enough hard evidence yet, and we feel strongly that people need to tailor their approach to their state," said Sherry Green, executive director of the alliance. Green said consumers and businesses might be happier with compromises being discussed at many state legislatures this year to limit sales of pseudoephedrine while keeping them available to as many consumers as possible. Some proposals could backfire in the long run. In Iowa, Lil' Drug Store Products of Cedar Rapids is hoping state leaders will pass a law allowing consumers to buy single or double doses of cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine. The company is one of a few businesses nationwide that repackage small doses of over-the-counter medicines for sale at gas stations and convenience stores. "Today, I feel pretty optimistic that (state leaders) are listening and this might be a solution," company President Chris DeWolf said. Green said meth labs could continue to proliferate if small doses of pseudoephedrine remain widely available. In other states, products packaged in a variety of sizes have been sold to meth-makers by the box load by unscrupulous cashiers at gas stations and convenience stores for profit, she said. Oklahoma narcotics officials say small doses can be just as easily converted to meth, and they remain a cost-effective alternative for meth-makers. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth