COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Governor Bob Taft today signed into law Senate Bill 53, which changes state law to regulate pseudoephedrine sales to fight the production, use and distribution of methamphetamines (meth) in Ohio.
"Meth is destroying the lives of too many Ohioans, and our penalties against those who make this drug must be severe," Taft said. "This bill sends a clear message to anyone who is involved in making or distributing meth to think twice. You will be caught. You will be prosecuted. And you will go to prison."
SB 53 will [image-nocss] regulate the sale of drugs in which the sole active ingredient is pseudoephedrine, a product commonly used to manufacture meth. The bill requires ID proving the buyer is over 18, limits the amount that can be bought and requires that it be stored behind the counter.
It gives pharmacies new tools to prevent the abuse of decongestant pills, and it strengthens law enforcement efforts to combat meth labs by increasing penalties for manufacturing meth and possessing the chemicals needed to produce it.
The governor signed SB 53 in Chillicothe at Henderson Pharmacy Services, which has long carried pseudoephedrine behind the counter. Also present for the bill signing were First Lady Hope Taft, bill sponsor State Senator John Carey (R), Ohio Department of Alcohol & Drug Addiction Services Director Carolyn Givens, Ross County Sheriff Ronald Nichols and Ron and Cindy Henderson of Henderson Pharmacy Services.
SB 53 goes into effect 90 days after it is signed and filed with the Secretary of State.
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