TAKE CRYSTAL METH FIXINGS OFF THE SHELVES

Ontario had to restrict access to medicines containing ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine, primary ingredients in the production of crystal
methamphetamine.

Actually, the province has taken only a half-step. It's better than
nothing, but considering how dangerous crystal meth is Ontario should
have gone a lot farther.

All non-prescription cold and sinus remedies containing ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine are no longer at corner stores, gas stations and
grocery stores without a pharmacy.

Pharmacies are the only place to get them, and you have to go to the
counter to buy pure formulations including Contac Cold 12-hour,
Benylin D for infants and Sudafed Decongestant extra-strength

However, those that list ephedrine as only one of the ingredients,
such as Tylenol Cold and Advil Cold and Sinus, will remain on the
pharmacy shelves next to aspirin and toothpaste and shampoo.

No illegal drugs are pretty. Besides damaging brains and bodies in
pure form, they are often contaminated when concocted by amateurs
whose last thought is customer safety.

And abusing drugs typically leads to other criminal behaviour, making
this everybody's problem.

Crystal meth is not only threatening to users, but also to neighbours
of the labs used to "cook" ephedrine and pseudoephedrine into its
illicit form. The makeshift chemical facilities are prone to
explosions and fire.

Yes, the majority of crystal meth is synthesized from mass-production
supplies of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. But leaving commercial
formulations with the raw ingredients on the pharmacy shelf allows
access by curious high-schoolers who can get chemistry lessons off
the Internet.

Leaving such potentially hazardous goods on the shelf next to
innocuous products also raises skepticism among experimenting youths
about just how dangerous this could be: What kind of line are adults
trying to feed teens?

We don't need to over-react. Even banning all ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine from Canada would not eradicate the problem, while
making innocent consumers suffer needlessly. Requiring prescriptions
would control the substances well, but still pose an unnecessary burden.

However, all such medications should immediately be put behind the
counter at pharmacies where trained experts can pick up danger signs
and discourage nefarious use.

Crystal meth is too hazardous for baby steps. Ontario needs to take a
giant stride to control it.