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.
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MAP posted-by: Beth