SENATE OKS SALES OF NEEDLES WITHOUT PRESCRIPTIONS

Pharmacies could sell hypodermic needles to adults without a doctor's
prescription under a bill approved Thursday by California's Senate.

Sen. John Vasconcellos (D-San Jose) said his legislation would cut
down on the number of cases of HIV and other diseases caused by the
sharing of needles among drug addicts. But Sen. Bill Morrow
(R-Oceanside) said addicts would continue to share needles because
"that's part of the drug culture." The bill would allow pharmacies to
sell up to 30 hypodermic needles or syringes without a prescription to
a person who is over 18. Current law allows public agencies to
distribute clean needles or syringes without a prescription as part of
a needle exchange program. A 21-12 vote sent the bill to the Assembly.