Anti Meth Law Will Impact Retailers

California State Senator Jackie Spierer has authored legislation that she says will go after so-called “tweaker” labs used to make methamphetamine.

Spierer is proposing state legislation that mirrors an Oklahoma law that greatly restricts how pseudophedrine , a key ingredient in methamphetamine, is sold.

“The new law would require retailers to limit the amount of pseudophedrine that they could sell at one time. It would also require purchasers to sign a paper and show their ID.”

Spierer says the crack-cocaine epidemic of the 90´s appears to have metamorphosed into widespread meth-use throughout the state. California is home to more clandestine methamphetamine drug labs than anyplace else in the world. Justice Department research indicates that up to 80-percent of all meth made in the US is manufactured in California. Similar legislation is being introduced on the federal level by Senator Dianne Feinstein. Spierer says that while changes in how pseudophedrine is sold may cost the pharmacies a little more, the cost to society if nothing is done is incalculable.

“It may cost pharamices a little more to display it behind the counter, but the savings in terms of society are immeasurable.”

Meth users come from all walks of life and range from the very young to older people. The recovery rate from methamphetamine addiction is startlingly low and the potential for brain damage and other health problems associated with its use is extremely high.