TERRE HAUTE —
As more Hoosiers become aware of the devastating impact methamphetamine has on citizens and communities, the chances of effective action being taken to combat the drug by the Indiana General Assembly are improving.
It won’t be an easy sell, but an expanding coalition of interested people and organizations are pressing the issue nonetheless.
Weather permitting today, law enforcement officials and community leaders from Terre Haute and Vigo County will speak at a Senate committee hearing in support of SB 474, a measure that would make materials, compounds, mixtures and preparations that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine available by prescription only. Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine — or PSE — are known as precursor drugs used in the production of meth.
State Sen. Tim Skinner, D-Terre Haute, introduced the bill and is trying to move it through the legislative process. He is convinced that prescription-only access to PSE is the best way to win the battle against meth.
Skinner has strong support from the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce, local police agencies and the Indiana State Police. He has received timely and inspired assistance from former Vigo County Sheriff Jon Marvel and local Chamber President Rod Henry. Both are expected to testify at today’s hearing.
Meth’s scourge is well known in west-central Indiana and several other parts of the state. In addition to being a highly addictive drug, labs used to make meth are a public safety menace. They are explosive, toxic and harmful to the environment.
The idea of PSE being available only by prescription is nothing new. In fact, pseudoephedrine and ephedrine were both listed as controlled substances prior to 1976.
Other states have already taken this step and report good results. Mississippi and Oregon made PSE available by prescription only and saw an 98 percent decline in the number of meth labs.
We applaud the continued efforts of Skinner, Marvel, Henry and others who are trying to battle meth production in effective ways. Making PSE prescription only is a good idea that deserves support. We encourage you to contact your legislators and voice support for SB 474.
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