A new weapon in meth battle

If a shift in public policy could reduce America's meth problem, wouldn't it be a good idea to make the change?

Of course it would.

That's why a proposal by Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) deserves support.

Wyden's proposal, based upon actions taken by the state of Oregon, would require that pseudoephedrine not be dispensed without a prescription.

Pseudoephedrine is an ingredient in a number of popular over-the-counter medications, particularly anti-allergy medications. It's also a key ingredient in the production of meth, the drug that poses the greatest threat to the health of rural America.

Wyden's proposal is, predictably, running into opposition from the makers of those over-the-counter drugs.

They argue that such legislation would be a costly inconvenience for consumers.

It would probably also cut into their sales if consumers turned to other products without pseudoephedrine as an ingredient.

But take a look at what happened in Oregon when that state made the change.

Since 2006 when the law took effect, the number of meth-related arrests dropped by 43 percent. In 2001, Oregon had a reported 587 meth labs. This year it had 17.

That's an extraordinary drop, so dramatic it simply can't be ignored.

And if it can be replicated on a national basis, the benefits for the future of this country would be immeasurable. Meth is that much of a scourge upon our society.

As an Oregon state officials told The Wall Street Journal recently, "this law saves lives, it saves families, and it saves a lot of money."

Sounds like a smart move.

And if Wyden's proposal gets bogged down in Congress, Hoosier lawmakers need to step up to the plate at the earliest opportunity to get the job done. - J.R.[[In-content Ad]]