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ICJI > The New Meth Law The New Meth Law

Indiana's New Meth Law Senate Enrolled Act 444

When Governor Mitch Daniels signed into law Indiana's strongest weapon in the battle against the production of Methamphetamine, he asked that all law-abiding citizens join the effort to stop the epidemic that is making its way across our state. "We are not alone in this fight, he said, But it will take an enormous effort to stop it before it is too late. "This insidious killer hurts our communities in every way. From the addiction it causes, to the hopeless view of the future, to the children who see it, many are affected."

The new law requires retailers to keep medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine behind a counter, in a locked case or directly in front of a pharmacy counter that has video surveillance. "I regret these restrictions will cause a minor inconvenience to both Hoosiers needing these cold remedies and the retailers that sell them, but ephedrine and pseudoephedrine represent the key ingredients in the manufacturing of Methamphetamine.

"That's why I encourage 100% participation from all Hoosier retail establishments that carry common cold and allergy medications. If we can discourage or make it difficult for those who want Meth labs, we will not only save lives, we will save communities."

Methamphetimine is a highly addictive, and is made by "cooking" ingredients found in many common medications with other household items such as gasoline additives. "It is time to let those who make, sell, or use Methamphetamine or its derivatives know that not only is Indiana Law enforcement on to you--so is your local convenience store," Daniels concluded.

Doctor writing prescriptionBeginning July 1, 2005, consumers noticed a change in the way many everyday remedies are dispensed. According to the new law, sales are limited to those 18 years or older, and require purchasers to show a photo ID and sign a log book. No customer may purchase more than 100 tablets of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products per week.

To read the Act in its entirety, click here.