Ephedrine bill
This article was originally published in The Tan Sheet
Executive Summary
House Energy & Commerce/health subcommittee approves by voice vote on Nov. 9 the Domestic Chemical Diversion Control Act (HR 3216), clearing the measure for full committee consideration. The bill, which is supported by NDMA, expands the authority of the Drug Enforcement Agency to control the distribution of legal drugs -- such as OTC asthma drugs containing ephedrine -- that are used in the manufacture of illegal street drugs such as hallucinogen methcathinone (CAT). Recently, the ShopKo chain removed ephedrine- containing products from OTC shelves at its 117 pharmacies, citing "evidence" that OTC availability "has allowed it to be used in illegal and dangerous ways.