NOTHING TO SNEEZE AT

A new state law that takes effect on Wednesday increases the penalties
for people convicted of making methamphetamine, a dangerous illegal
drug that's becoming far too common.

The new law will increase the penalty to up to 17 and a half years in
prison. Under the old law, first offenders could get probation. It
also makes it possible to convict a meth manufacturer of second-degree
murder if someone overdoses on the illegal product, and it increases
punishment for anyone who makes meth in the presence of a child.

Those are all helpful steps, but perhaps North Carolina should also
take a look at a simpler strategy that seems to be helping in other
states.

Several have passed laws that restrict access to over-the-counter cold
and allergy medicines that contain an ingredient that can be used to
make methamphetamine. So far, the results look encouraging in helping
stop the spread of the highly addictive stimulant.

To their credit, several national drug store chains already use
voluntary restrictions on selling these types of medicines, but law
enforcement agencies in other states say the lack of a law only sends
illegal drug makers seeking out drug stores without voluntary rules.

No system is perfect, and there's no doubt that determined drug makers
will try to find a way around the rules. But at least some reasonable
restrictions might slow them down without hindering those of us who
need relief from sniffles.