Sudaphed and Anti-Meth Laws

[thefool_wa]

I went into my local national retailer chain today as I suffer from a cold and was in need to Sudafed to relieve my ailing sinuses. I knew, as a result of new laws passed here in Washington, that I would need to go to the pharmacy and request it as all pseudo-ephedrine products need to be obtained from the pharmacist (though no prescription is necessary).

When I requested the medicine I was asked to show ID. I figured this was for age verification so I showed it to the young lab assistant at the counter and she began typing into her computer. I let her get about 10 keystrokes in before I asked her, "Do you really need to enter my identity information just to buy Sudafed?" to which she said "Yes." I promptly took my ID away and bought some other remedy for my ailment (don't try penelylephrine, it doesn't work).

I am outraged by this. I understand that their intent is to try and stop methamphetamine manufacturers form obtaining their ingredients, but seriously. These people are not buying their pseudo-ephedrine over the counter at safeway, they are buying it anonymously over the internet and I am appalled that I was expected to spend 10 minutes waiting while the gal at the counter hunt and pecked my information in.

I guess they figure that if you have nothing to hide you won't object. I AM TIRED OF HEARING THAT! What's worse, I feel like the only recourse I have is to write Merck or Bristol-Myers, or some other pharmaceutical corporation and complain that, as a result of this law, I will no longer be buying these products. I figure they actually have the pull with the government to get things changed.

Does anyone else out there live in a state where these types of laws are being passed? Better yet, anyone else in Washington pissed off by this (who ISN'T making meth)?

[Warpy]

1. It's not a big deal, not really

Years ago, I remember signing a book for paregoric and a mild codeine cough syrup. Since I boiling down the paregoric from 10 different drug stores to shoot and since I wasn't guzzling 10 bottles of cough syrup for a buzz, the DEA didn't come knocking. They've kept records like this on potential OTC drugs of abuse for YEARS.

Next time just let them type in your name and get some relief. There isn't anything particularly sinister that hasn't been going on for years.

(as long as we have the bogus war on drugs, we're going to be sacrificing our civil liberties in its name. End the war on drugs!)

[thefool_wa]

4. You would think it isn't

But what happens when they realize that Meth cooks are using coffee pots as basins for preparation, should we have to register to buy coffee pots too?

This measure isn't stopping them. The people who are actually providing the meth to the populace are not getting it this way and I am the type of person who hates being told "I shouldn't worry about it if I have nothing to hide."

Ultimately, I didn't have 10 minutes while the young lady behind the counter entered me in with her obviously limited typing skills. But, I am also tired of these laws that inconvenience and even attack the rights of those who are doing nothing wrong.

And I agree, the "War on Drugs" needs to end. Before long 'ol GW will decide that, since it is a war, all drug dealers/users are enemy combatants and should be dealt with as such. (I probably shouldn't have said that, no sense giving them any ideas). I don't worry about me, but common sense HAS to prevail at some point.

[LizMoonstar]

2. we've got it in Iowa, the meth capital of the country.

Barak and Roll had to sign for the box of sudafed he got for his cold, and was truly puzzled, because how exactly is this stopping the meth cookers? so far it hasn't really made a difference.

[thefool_wa]

3. Therein lies my point

Its not stopping the meth cooks up here either.

Providing ID to prove my age for purchase is one thing, but monitoring my consuption infuriates me.

[prole_for_peace]

5. since these rules started the amount of meth imported from mexico

has increased substantially. and it is "better" quality so much more dangerous. so by making it difficult (or impossible if i go to the store after their pharmacy closes, sometimes as early as 7 pm) to get otc meds for colds and allergies "they" haven't made a difference. it is actually getting worse.

[thefool_wa]

6. Excellent point

Its amazing how detached all law makers seem to be from reality anymore. I know they want to look like they are "tough on drugs" and make their constituents believe they are fighting the good fight, but come on, enough already.

[FreedomRain]

7. Sudafed - how quaint

I don't think telling the drug companies to do something will do any good, though I welcome you to try. They have already given in; viz. the fake 'PE' penelylephrine. The box looks the same at first glance. They will probably pull pseodoephedrine entirely soon. Which is a shame since it was the most effective, least side-effect medicine for anything ever. I have been using it for 20 years for allergies, a couple months each year. I won't sign the register (many cities in Arizona have the same laws) either.

[GymDude]

8. When I encountered this at Target...

I asked the girl behind the counter if it was Federal law yet....she said no but it would be soon. HUH?!?!??

I also bought some really big, sharp knives....and there was no problem with those.....

[Jamastiene]

9. North Carolina has a similar law.

I will also not be buying cold medicine again. Of all drugs out there, I am against meth the most, but treating me like a criminal just because I am unfortunate enough to have allergies or get a cold is just plain wrong. Meth manufacturers had plenty of time to work their way around the law as it was being passed. Who does our government think they are fooling? They are full of shit. If you start a petition for the drug manufacturers, I'll sign.