Meth problem solved

Members of the public have five weeks left to buy up their over-the-counter cold medicines before a new restrictive law makes such purchases more difficult.

Assembly Bill 148, signed by Gov. Jim Gibbons last week, will take effect Aug. 1. A companion measure, Senate Bill 112, takes effect even sooner, on July 1. They involve the sale of cold medications that can also be used in the manufacture of methamphetamines.

The new laws provide that only pharmacies can now sell such medications and prohibit their sale by other stores, such as grocery or convenience stores. Pharmacies can sell them only to customers who present identification. A logbook entry will be created recording the name and address of the purchaser, the name and amount of the medication purchased, and other information.