Methamphetamine (meth) has high potential for abuse, activating the physiological reward system by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. The move is intended to reduce drug abuse due to these OTC drugs.
The bill received good response in the legislature and was approved within a week. It will be effective from July 1, 2010. The drug will now require a prescription from a doctor to purchase drugs containing pseudoephedrine.
The customer will also have to produce identity cards to purchase these kinds of drugs.
Gulflive quoted Haley Barbour, saying: “We are serious about reducing the use of methamphetamine in our state. This law is another tool for law enforcement to fight illegal drugs and protect our communities. Meth use is a problem all over the nation, and I’m proud Mississippi can lead the way in battling this drug that damages lives.”