N.H. House wants cold meds behind counters

CONCORD, N.H. – The House voted Thursday to require pharmacists to place some common, over-the-counter cold medicines behind their counters, require photo identification of buyers and bar sales to minors.

The medicines contain pseudoephedrine and ephedrine, which are key ingredients in making methamphetamine, an illegal and highly addictive drug.

Someone who wanted to buy more than one or two small packages at a time could buy up to 6 grams after signing a log maintained by the pharmacy.

Pharmacies would have to keep other cold medications containing a combination of ingredients and pseudoephedrine or ephedrine in sight of the cash register. Pediatric, liquid or gel capsules would be exempt.

The bill also would establish a commission to study the feasibility of establishing a statewide electronic log to track illicit pseudoephedrine and ephedrine purchases.

The House passed the bill to the Senate without debate on a voice vote.

Supporters hope to reduce access to the drug and, as a result, cut the number of “mom and pop” meth labs that are growing in number in the state.

The labs pose an environmental and public safety hazard because of the toxic stew of chemicals used to make meth. The labs pose a risk of explosion and fire and byproduct chemicals contaminate the buildings housing the labs as well as the environment.

Long a scourge found in the West and Midwest, meth use is increasing in New England because – unlike heroin or cocaine – anyone can make it just about anywhere.

For $100 and a recipe off the Internet, an addict can “cook” enough meth out of cold medicine sold over-the-counter and lye, iodine and other common household products to supply a habit with a little left over to sell.

Perhaps nowhere has the alarm sounded louder than in New Hampshire – home to 12 of 18 labs raided in New England over an 18-month period, according to rough estimates compiled by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Three more New Hampshire labs busted last month increase the total to 15.

New Hampshire’s effort is similar to one undertaken last year in Maine, which now requires products containing pseudoephedrine to be kept behind the pharmacy counter.

Vermont’s Legislature is considering a similar measure this year.