Pubdate: Thu, 27 Jan 2005
Source: Oak Ridger (TN)
Copyright: 2005 The Oak Ridger
Contact:  http://www.oakridger.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1146
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Note: Reprinted from The Jackson Sun.

LAWMAKERS NEED TO TAKE NEXT STEP IN BATTLING 'METH'

Last year, the Tennessee General Assembly took a significant step forward 
in the battle against methamphetamine by toughening penalties to bring them 
in line with other illegal drugs.

Now, it's time to take the next step.

Lawmakers should pass legislation this session that would restrict the sale 
of pseudoephedrine-based products by placing them behind the counter and 
requiring that they be dispensed by a pharmacist.

Under this new law, people wanting to buy pseudoephedrine would have to 
show ID and sign for them.

It's a simple step that can produce dramatic results.

For proof that this law works, lawmakers need look no further than 
Oklahoma. Residents there are required to get their pseudoephedrine-based 
cold medicines from a pharmacist, and the law requires that they show ID 
and sign for it.

Since the law took effect, the number of meth busts per month has dropped 
more than 80 percent.

Tennessee could only benefit from a tough law like Oklahoma's. While some 
stores in Tennessee already restrict the amount of pseudoephedrine a person 
can buy at one time, this isn't adequate.

In 2004, for a third consecutive year, Tennessee led the nation in the 
number of meth labs discovered.

Clearly, decisive actions are needed, and cutting meth cooks off from their 
supply of pseudoephedrine just makes sense.

Last year, lawmakers took a good first step in fighting meth. Now, it's 
time to follow Oklahoma's example.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jackl