Though We Haven't Seen The Proposed Details, We Support The Idea Proposed By Consumer Healthcare Products Association To Deal With METH Heads And Meth Smurfers.

Consumer group backs compromise on anti-meth efforts
Written by Jessie Halladay

A consumer group that has adamently opposed proposals to require prescriptions for a common cold medication as a way to curb methamphetamine production in Kentucky has suggested a compromise.

No legislation has been drafted. But the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, in conjunction with some other supporters, says it will propose a bill that would create a block list to prevent convicted methamphetamine offenders from buying pseudoephedrine without a doctor’s prescription.

Pseudoephedrine is a key ingredient in the manufacture of methamphetamine, but is also a primary drug in common, over-the-counter cold medicines.

The association is one of the primary lobbyists against efforts in Kentucky to require a prescription for anyone seeking to use medications that contain pseudoephedrine. A bill that proposed prescription requirements failed to pass the Kentucky Senate during this year’s session, though it did get more support than previous efforts.

Carlos Gutierrez, director of state government relations for the association, addressed the Senate Judiciary Committee in Frankfort Friday to discuss the new proposal, which would also lower the limits of the drug that can be purchased each month and annually.

Currently, Kentucky limits the purchase of pseudoephedrine to 9 grams per month and 120 grams annually. The new proposal would limit sales to 7.5 grams per month and 60 grams annually, Gutierrez said.

An electronic system allows law enforcement to track people buying the drug, to find out when violations have occurred and to monitor suspicious purchases.

Proponents of prescription restrictions say that they would help curb smurfing efforts — when meth producers send different people to buy the drug. Those advocates say that electronic tracking works only as a responsive tactic, rather than the proactive restriction of the methamphetamine-making material.

The issue of combating meth production has confronted several legislatures in recent years. Both Oregon and Mississippi have started to require prescriptions for medicines containing pseudoephedrine. Several states considered legislation this year, with some opting to implement the electronic tracking system.

Gutierrez said his group intends to offer the alternative legislative option in recognition that meth production is still a problem in Kentucky.

“We want to be part of the solution,” Gutierrez said, “as long as the legitimate consumer is allowed to deal with seasonal allergies.”