‘Prescription only’ bill makes first move in Senate

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — A bill aimed at cutting down on the manufacturing of methamphetamine in West Virginia cleared its first hurdle Tuesday when the bill passed the Senate Health Committee.

The measure would require a doctor’s prescription to purchase medicines that contain pseudoephedrine, the main ingredient in making meth and also a main ingredient in cold and sinus medicine.

The bill would allow tamper-resistant products like Nexafed to be sold behind the counter without a prescription.

Sen. Art Kirkendoll, D-Logan, said Tuesday that option makes the bill more attractive.

“I have a little more comfort knowing that people have access to this type of medicine,” the senator said.

Pharmacy chains like Fruth and Rite-Aid made moves last year in West Virginia to make regular pseudoephedrine products unavailable.

Former State Trooper and now state Board of Pharmacy employee Mike Goff told committee members products like Nexafed work for those taking it for a cold but is almost impossible to use in meth making.

“There are chemicals added to it that make the matrix hard to get just the Sudafed out for those purposes. It makes the whole process a slurry that’s hard to distinguish and separate like you would need to in a conventional manufacturing process,” Goff said.

Sen. Kirkendoll said attacking the meth-making problem while possibly hurting residents who legitimately need medicine puts lawmakers in a tough position.

“But we’ve got to do something,” Kirkendoll concluded. “We’re in a catch-22 spending millions of dollars to clean up these unsightly, unsavory (labs). Once they bust a meth lab it’s almost dangerous to be around.”

The bill next heads to the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.

 





More News

News
As Yeager Airport's Wildlife Patrol Dog turns 7, a new dog comes in to learn from him
The new Border Collie is getting acclimated and receiving training for his soon-to-be role.
March 28, 2024 - 6:30 pm
News
Dunlow Volunteer Fire Department closes
The Dunlow VFD did not have a valid workers compensation insurance policy.
March 28, 2024 - 6:20 pm
News
PEIA examines financial effects of new law meant to ensure local pharmacies get fair reimbursements
Gov. Jim Justice signed Senate Bill 453 into law this week.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm
News
Barbour County woman sentenced after death case sent back to circuit court by Supreme Court
Carli Reed sentenced on voluntary manslaughter conviction.
March 28, 2024 - 4:11 pm


Your Comments