Pubdate: Tue, 11 Apr 2006 Source: Sault Star, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2006 The Sault Star Contact: http://www.saultstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1071 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) TAKE CRYSTAL METH FIXINGS OFF THE SHELVES Ontario had to restrict access to medicines containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, primary ingredients in the production of crystal methamphetamine. Actually, the province has taken only a half-step. It's better than nothing, but considering how dangerous crystal meth is Ontario should have gone a lot farther. All non-prescription cold and sinus remedies containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine are no longer at corner stores, gas stations and grocery stores without a pharmacy. Pharmacies are the only place to get them, and you have to go to the counter to buy pure formulations including Contac Cold 12-hour, Benylin D for infants and Sudafed Decongestant extra-strength However, those that list ephedrine as only one of the ingredients, such as Tylenol Cold and Advil Cold and Sinus, will remain on the pharmacy shelves next to aspirin and toothpaste and shampoo. No illegal drugs are pretty. Besides damaging brains and bodies in pure form, they are often contaminated when concocted by amateurs whose last thought is customer safety. And abusing drugs typically leads to other criminal behaviour, making this everybody's problem. Crystal meth is not only threatening to users, but also to neighbours of the labs used to "cook" ephedrine and pseudoephedrine into its illicit form. The makeshift chemical facilities are prone to explosions and fire. Yes, the majority of crystal meth is synthesized from mass-production supplies of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. But leaving commercial formulations with the raw ingredients on the pharmacy shelf allows access by curious high-schoolers who can get chemistry lessons off the Internet. Leaving such potentially hazardous goods on the shelf next to innocuous products also raises skepticism among experimenting youths about just how dangerous this could be: What kind of line are adults trying to feed teens? We don't need to over-react. Even banning all ephedrine and pseudoephedrine from Canada would not eradicate the problem, while making innocent consumers suffer needlessly. Requiring prescriptions would control the substances well, but still pose an unnecessary burden. However, all such medications should immediately be put behind the counter at pharmacies where trained experts can pick up danger signs and discourage nefarious use. Crystal meth is too hazardous for baby steps. Ontario needs to take a giant stride to control it. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman