In the Second Regular Session of the 81st Legislature, both chambers are exploring solutions to the growing methamphetamine use and meth lab problem in West Virginia. Within the last year, law enforcement has busted a record high 533 meth labs – almost double the 2012 total of 288 meth lab busts. Currently, medications that contain pseudoephedrine and like substances must be purchased behind a pharmaceutical counter with identification, because of their use in meth production.
Supporters say that even though some medications would only be available by prescription, medications without pseudoephedrine and like substances would still be available over-the-counter and treat the same symptoms that medications with pseudoephedrine can. According to Senator Ron Stollings, meth labs can be reduced while also providing the medicine to people who need it. Oregon and Mississippi and parts of Missouri and Tennessee have passed similar legislation and have seen a significant decrease in meth labs within the state. Senate President Kessler has said this legislation is the first step in ending the meth drug problem in the state.
Opponents of the bill say that making pseudoephedrine prescription only creates unnecessary obstacles for people who really need it. To purchase a preferred common cold and allergy medicine, people could have to take time out of their day to make additional doctor’s appointments. The medication costs will rise as well due to the added prescription co-pay. A spokeswoman for a group that lobbies for drug manufacturers, Elizabeth Funderburk, said prescriptions for medications are proven not to decrease abuse. Therefore requiring a prescription for medications containing pseudoephedrine wouldn’t stop the abuse of meth.
Opponents to the bill reference Oklahoma and Tennessee for an alternative to prescription regulation. Both states recently passed legislation that created a meth offender registry. Offenders convicted of meth related crimes are added to a registry that restricts them from purchasing the medication all together, or requires them to have a prescription.
* PHOTO: On February 5th, the Pseudoephedrine Bill passed out of the Senate Health & Human Resources Committee and is now in Senate Judiciary. Senator Tucker is the bill’s lead sponsor, along with President Kessler, Senator Stollings, Senator Laird and Senator Plymale. PHOTO: Martin Valent
