Pubdate: Wed, 15 Feb 2006
Source: Encore (NC)
Contact:  http://www.encorepub.com/home.html
Address: P.O. Box 12430, Wilmington NC 28405
Fax: (910) 791-9177
Copyright: 2006 Wilmington Media
Author: Steven Gibbs
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CRANK-YANK: DEALING WITH NORTH CAROLINA'S NEWEST DRUG LAW

If you've recently been one of the lucky recipients of a sinus cold 
or bronchial infection this winter season, then perhaps you've 
realized that many of the traditional medicines for these illnesses 
have lately become unavailable in your regular pharmaceutical aisle.

Certain types of Sudafed, Aleve, Tylenol Sinus, Primatene tablets, 
and even select Advil brands are part of a new statewide sanction 
that restricts and regulates the sale of all products containing the 
popular nasal decongestant, pseudoephedrine.

Although federal law prohibits buying pseudoephedrine in quantities 
greater than three packages in a 24-hour period, North Carolina joins 
several other U.S. states in a stricter, more combative method of 
drug control that has proven effective in its authoritarian measures. 
Under this new legislation, all products containing a large 
percentage of pseudoephedrine must now be placed "behind the 
counter," requiring the consumer to provide age verification of 18 
years or above. Purchase quantities are limited to six grams a day 
(about two packs) or a total of three packs in a single 30-day 
period. Some retailers also require customers to provide a home 
address, as well as a telephone number to help keep a record of 
purchase amounts. This procedure goes well beyond federal 
requirements, while its hopeful intentions are to keep the drug out 
of the wrong hands.

Why all the fuss with pseudoephedrine? The chalk-like pills can be 
broken down and combined with other unusual ingredients to create a 
highly addictive methamphetamine, known as crystal-meth, crank or 
ice. Usually small, makeshift labs are set up to manufacture the 
drug, which generally consists of poisonous, inedible components that 
offer its user a habit-forming, intoxicating effect.

Over the past decade, crystal meth usage has spread throughout the 
U.S. and has recently begun to infiltrate every corner of North 
Carolina in the past five years. In effect, state officials have 
quickly developed our current requirements in an attempt to halt the 
superfluous growth of this deadly drug.

According to NC Law Enforcement documents, recent months have seen a 
significant decrease in meth lab busts, and officers anticipate that 
the new state regulations will further reduce the number of 
improvised laboratories, as well the staggering amount of toothless, 
ravenous addicts that roam our streets in search of spare change and 
cigarettes. Though the problem with pseudoephedrine abuse has never 
reached the mainstream drug culture, it appears that state 
representatives are attempting to prevent a crisis before it begins. 
The pharmacy crew at Hi-Medeq Pharmacy admits, "We never really had a 
problem before [with large purchases], but this definitely helps keep 
it out of reach. We ID anyone we don't know and keep a record book of 
most transactions. The new law passed at the beginning of this year, 
but we've been doing it this way for about six months."

Across the street from the pharmacy, a small gas station still sells 
pseudoephedrine products on a shelf near the candy bars, where the 
clerk claims, "We're just trying to get rid of them since the law 
changed. Then we're only going to sell the gel caps." Although the 
gel caps should legally be sold behind the counter, it is a step in 
the right direction, as the majority of smaller retailers are simply 
removing the product entirely, as to avoid the headache of keeping 
records of all medicine transactions.

To avoid confusion during the inception of this bill, most stores 
that continue to sell pseudoephedrine have simply placed small 
notices in the "over-the-counter" aisle, directing their devoted 
patrons to the pharmacy, where a certified technician will dispense 
and track their purchase. Compared to last year's non-existent 
policies, the process seems to be a bit time consuming and could 
possibly be seen as an invasive method of drug control for the 
innocent sinus sufferers. Nonetheless, its goal is an encouraging and 
worthwhile movement in managing our nation's drug dependence.

Although the new law may be an inconvenience to some, especially when 
the medicine is a necessity, it limits the amount of pseudoephedrine 
that can be sold during a single transaction, which puts the meth- 
manufacturers at a significant loss. However, a quick look at the 
other products readily available in the pharmaceutical aisle displays 
a bounty of possible drug abuse. Robitussin, Nyquil, sleeping pills, 
even mouthwash, have potential mind-altering effects. Similarly, a 
stop in the hardware department reveals a versatile smorgasbord of 
various inhalants that can be just as addictive as crystal meth and 
quite possibly more damaging to the user. Even a jar of nutmeg can 
have a narcotic effect if consumed properly. All of these substances 
are available without the need for prescription, identification or 
complicated tracking procedures, perhaps filling the void that 
pseudoephedrine leaves behind, following the new legislation.

Alternatively, some "meth-heads" will simply import the drug, pre- 
fabricated from overseas or from across our national borders, where 
the drug could potentially be more harmful than it already is. This 
method of avoiding the legal issues with pseudoephedrine is more 
difficult and expensive for the drug user, creating an ongoing 
dilemma for the abusee.

Whatever methods North Carolina uses to handle its drug problems, it 
has been made apparent throughout history that anyone with a 
compulsion for drug use will continue to find a way to get "high," as 
long as the human race survives. It's that temporary moment of escape 
that keeps the addict coming back for more. With that said, just 
remember if you do have an actual sinus problem and a need for 
pseudoephedrine, be sure to bring your ID to the pharmacy, or you may 
be sniffling and sneezing for a few days.

For more information on the recent changes to the NC pseudoephedrine 
law call the state Board of Pharmacies at 919-942-4454 or visit www.ncbop.org.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman