USE COMMON SENSE

Since humans first discovered mind altering substances, a small percentage
of every society has sought different and better ways to entertain
themselves with chemistry. A constant thread through history is the
debilitating effect such a pursuit has on those using the substances, the
people around them and, to a lesser extent, their larger community.

In recent years, America has seen "epidemic" use of marijuana, cocaine,
heroin, amphetamines, "designer drugs" such as Ecstasy, and crack, an
altered form of cocaine that delivers a stronger effect for a shorter duration.

The use of different drugs has ebbed and flowed, but the constant is the
user. There are always those who will risk their health, the happiness of
their families, their freedom and their lives for a quick high. Today's
"epidemic" is methamphetamine, a crude and potent substance that can be
cooked up virtually anywhere using common household chemicals and
over-the-counter cold medication. It's an interesting diversion from the
usual illegal drug paradigm in that the ease of creating the substance
short-circuits the dealer-buyer framework, giving drug enforcement officers
a new challenge.

This week, the Alabama House of Representatives passed a measure some say
would help reduce the methamphetamine cottage industry by restricting the
sale of a key ingredient - ephedrine and pseudoephedrine - the active
element of many cold and allergy medications available without
prescription. The House-approved measure would restrict the sale of such
medications, and require people who want the products to ask for them, show
an ID and sign for their purchase. Lawmakers should give this another
thought; the measure assumes anyone who simply wants relief from cold
symptoms is a potential meth lab operator. Over-the-counter medications
such as cold and allergy remedies containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine
are legal. The substances are not narcotics and do not require
prescriptions. Subjecting law-abiding citizens to such harassment is an
invasion of privacy and a heavy-handed, ill-conceived and likely
ineffective approach to a societal ill.

A better solution would be to urge retailers to be responsible in the sale
of the medication. Common sense suggests that a man or woman buying a
couple of packages of cold medication likely has a sick spouse or child at
home. The same person buying a large quantity of the same items likely has
other plans in mind.