Oklahoma Curbs the Sale of Cold Tablets
Gov. Brad Henry signed legislation Wednesday to restrict some sales of several popular cold remedies used to make methamphetamine, barring the drugs from stores other than pharmacies.
The governor, surrounded by police and the families of three state troopers killed during meth investigations, said the law would reduce addictions and “the risk of law enforcement officers who endanger their lives every time they stop someone for speeding or walk into a house to dismantle a lab.”
The law bans retail sales of cold tablets containing pseudoephedrine, frequently found in decongestants. The tablets, including brands such as Sudafed and Claritin-D, will be available in pharmacies but only to customers who present photo identification and sign for the medicine.
Pseudoephedrine in gelatin capsules and liquid form will still be sold in stores because they cannot be used to make methamphetamine.
Oklahoma lawmakers said they were the first to adopt such broad restrictions on sales.
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