Pubdate: Fri, 07 Jan 2005
Source: St. Cloud Times (MN)
Copyright: 2005 St. Cloud Times
Contact:  http://www.sctimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2559
Author: Lawrence Schumacher

OPATZ TO SPONSOR BILL LIMITING SALE OF COLD MEDICINE

ST. PAUL -- Rep. Joe Opatz announced Thursday he would seek to restrict the 
sale of one of the ingredients used to make methamphetamine.

Opatz, DFL-St. Cloud, said he is sponsoring a bill that would allow only 
pharmacies to sell pseudoephedrine, ephedrine and two other similar 
over-the-counter medication, and only in tablet form.

The bill would limit an individual's purchase of Sudafed or similar 
medication to no more than 9 grams a month without a prescription.

A buyer would have to show photo identification and sign to make the purchase.

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension would have the authority to inspect a 
store's sales records and buyers' signatures.

Opatz's proposal is similar to restrictions proposed Thursday by Attorney 
General Mike Hatch and state Senate DFLers, and a new Oklahoma law.

"By keeping these substances in the hands of pharmacists, we may be able to 
help control some of the tools that are used to make this illegal drug," 
Opatz said.

Minnesota is one of the few states that does not restrict the sale of 
pseudoephedrine tablets such as Sudafed.
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MAP posted-by: Beth