CRANK-YANK: DEALING WITH NORTH CAROLINA'S NEWEST DRUG LAW

If you've recently been one of the lucky recipients of a sinus cold
or bronchial infection this winter season, then perhaps you've
realized that many of the traditional medicines for these illnesses
have lately become unavailable in your regular pharmaceutical aisle.

Certain types of Sudafed, Aleve, Tylenol Sinus, Primatene tablets,
and even select Advil brands are part of a new statewide sanction
that restricts and regulates the sale of all products containing the
popular nasal decongestant, pseudoephedrine.

Although federal law prohibits buying pseudoephedrine in quantities
greater than three packages in a 24-hour period, North Carolina joins
several other U.S. states in a stricter, more combative method of
drug control that has proven effective in its authoritarian measures.
Under this new legislation, all products containing a large
percentage of pseudoephedrine must now be placed "behind the
counter," requiring the consumer to provide age verification of 18
years or above. Purchase quantities are limited to six grams a day
(about two packs) or a total of three packs in a single 30-day
period. Some retailers also require customers to provide a home
address, as well as a telephone number to help keep a record of
purchase amounts. This procedure goes well beyond federal
requirements, while its hopeful intentions are to keep the drug out
of the wrong hands.

Why all the fuss with pseudoephedrine? The chalk-like pills can be
broken down and combined with other unusual ingredients to create a
highly addictive methamphetamine, known as crystal-meth, crank or
ice. Usually small, makeshift labs are set up to manufacture the
drug, which generally consists of poisonous, inedible components that
offer its user a habit-forming, intoxicating effect.

Over the past decade, crystal meth usage has spread throughout the
U.S. and has recently begun to infiltrate every corner of North
Carolina in the past five years. In effect, state officials have
quickly developed our current requirements in an attempt to halt the
superfluous growth of this deadly drug.

According to NC Law Enforcement documents, recent months have seen a
significant decrease in meth lab busts, and officers anticipate that
the new state regulations will further reduce the number of
improvised laboratories, as well the staggering amount of toothless,
ravenous addicts that roam our streets in search of spare change and
cigarettes. Though the problem with pseudoephedrine abuse has never
reached the mainstream drug culture, it appears that state
representatives are attempting to prevent a crisis before it begins.
The pharmacy crew at Hi-Medeq Pharmacy admits, "We never really had a
problem before [with large purchases], but this definitely helps keep
it out of reach. We ID anyone we don't know and keep a record book of
most transactions. The new law passed at the beginning of this year,
but we've been doing it this way for about six months."

Across the street from the pharmacy, a small gas station still sells
pseudoephedrine products on a shelf near the candy bars, where the
clerk claims, "We're just trying to get rid of them since the law
changed. Then we're only going to sell the gel caps." Although the
gel caps should legally be sold behind the counter, it is a step in
the right direction, as the majority of smaller retailers are simply
removing the product entirely, as to avoid the headache of keeping
records of all medicine transactions.

To avoid confusion during the inception of this bill, most stores
that continue to sell pseudoephedrine have simply placed small
notices in the "over-the-counter" aisle, directing their devoted
patrons to the pharmacy, where a certified technician will dispense
and track their purchase. Compared to last year's non-existent
policies, the process seems to be a bit time consuming and could
possibly be seen as an invasive method of drug control for the
innocent sinus sufferers. Nonetheless, its goal is an encouraging and
worthwhile movement in managing our nation's drug dependence.

Although the new law may be an inconvenience to some, especially when
the medicine is a necessity, it limits the amount of pseudoephedrine
that can be sold during a single transaction, which puts the meth-
manufacturers at a significant loss. However, a quick look at the
other products readily available in the pharmaceutical aisle displays
a bounty of possible drug abuse. Robitussin, Nyquil, sleeping pills,
even mouthwash, have potential mind-altering effects. Similarly, a
stop in the hardware department reveals a versatile smorgasbord of
various inhalants that can be just as addictive as crystal meth and
quite possibly more damaging to the user. Even a jar of nutmeg can
have a narcotic effect if consumed properly. All of these substances
are available without the need for prescription, identification or
complicated tracking procedures, perhaps filling the void that
pseudoephedrine leaves behind, following the new legislation.

Alternatively, some "meth-heads" will simply import the drug, pre-
fabricated from overseas or from across our national borders, where
the drug could potentially be more harmful than it already is. This
method of avoiding the legal issues with pseudoephedrine is more
difficult and expensive for the drug user, creating an ongoing
dilemma for the abusee.

Whatever methods North Carolina uses to handle its drug problems, it
has been made apparent throughout history that anyone with a
compulsion for drug use will continue to find a way to get "high," as
long as the human race survives. It's that temporary moment of escape
that keeps the addict coming back for more. With that said, just
remember if you do have an actual sinus problem and a need for
pseudoephedrine, be sure to bring your ID to the pharmacy, or you may
be sniffling and sneezing for a few days.

For more information on the recent changes to the NC pseudoephedrine
law call the state Board of Pharmacies at 919-942-4454 or visit www.ncbop.org.