Pubdate: Fri, 22 Feb 2002
Source: Washington Blade (DC)
Copyright: 2002 The Washington Blade Inc.
Contact:  http://www.washblade.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1754
Author: Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?158 (Club Drugs)

BILL IN KENTUCKY HOUSE ATTEMPTS TO CURTAIL METHAMPHETAMINE PRODUCTION

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- A bill aimed at stopping the use of over-the-counter 
cold medication as an ingredient in methamphetamine was introduced in the 
Kentucky House.

Under the bill, people found in possession of certain ingredients in cold 
medication intended for a batch of methamphetamine would be guilty of a 
felony. The ingredients include ephedrine and pseudoephedrine.

The bill would limit to 24 grams the amount of the cold-medication 
ingredients that people could possess.

Such an amount would equal dozens of boxes of cold medicine, the bill's 
supporters said.

Retail and wholesale drug distributors would be exempt from that 
restriction, as would pharmacists, chemists and other health-care 
professionals.

The bill would also make it a felony to distribute cold medication knowing 
that its intended use was to produce methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine, or "meth," has become a popular "club drug" among gay men. 
Health researchers say using meth contributes to lapses in practicing safe sex.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens