Oregon anti-meth law would require prescriptions [View All]

Oregon anti-meth law would require prescriptions
Sat Jul 30, 2005 8:13 PM ET

PORTLAND, Ore., July 30 (Reuters) - A bill passed by lawmakers on
Saturday would make Oregon the first U.S. state to require a doctor's
prescription for cold medicines containing an ingredient that can be
used to make the illegal drug methamphetamine.

"We hope this will reduce the supply" of meth, Democratic state Sen.
Ginny Burdick told Reuters after the Senate passed the bill.

Oregon's House of Representatives approved the measure earlier this
month and Democratic Gov. Ted Kulongoski was expected to sign it.

The bill has widespread support, but critics say it would hurt people
without medical insurance who cannot afford to go to a doctor for a
cold or an allergy.