Pubdate: Tue, 28 Jun 2005
Source: Medical Post (Canada)
Copyright: 2005 The Medical Post
Contact:  http://www.medicalpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3180
Author: Terry Murray
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

GOV'T MAKING IT HARDER TO CONCOCT STREET DRUGS

OTTAWA - The federal government is proposing stronger regulation of
chemicals used to make crystal meth and a "date rape" drug.

Health Canada has proposed several amendments to the Precursor Control
Regulations, including the addition of six chemicals that can be used
to make methamphetamine and/or gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), also known
as the date rape drug.

The chemicals are gamma butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, red phosphorus,
white phosphorus, hypophosphorous acid and hydriodic acid. Under the
proposed amendment, they would be classified as Class A precursors,
which require a licence and permit for import and export, and a
licence for production and distribution.

Changes to the Schedules of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
(CDSA) are also being considered by Health Canada and two other
federal departments, according to a statement.

Methamphetamine could be moved to a different schedule under the CDSA
in order to impose higher penalties for offences involving the drug.

Health Canada is studying the health and social harms associated with
methamphetamine, GHB and other drugs listed in Schedules I, II and III
of the CDSA. The analysis will ensure consistency in the scheduling of
substances that pose comparable levels of risk and will assist the
government in reviewing penalties for the production, possession and
trafficking of these drugs, the statement said.

Recommendations on the rescheduling are expected by the fall of 2005.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin