Governor Warner Orders Regulation of Sales of Medications Used to Manufacture Methamphetamine

Governor Warner Orders Regulation of Sales of Medications Used to Manufacture Methamphetamine

— Executive directive supported by bi-partisan House and Senate legislative efforts —

Governor Mark R. Warner today signed Executive Directive 8 (pdf, 114K) to require the placement of legal medications used to manufacture methamphetamine behind the counters of Virginia retail establishments, and limit and track the quantity of their sales. Additionally, the Governor directed state agencies to develop new substance abuse treatment approaches and education efforts targeting the growing use of methamphetamine in the Commonwealth.

"Methamphetamines are a growing health and safety problem nationwide," said Governor Warner. "We've uncovered 46 illegal meth labs in Virginia so far this year. This substance is not only dangerous to use, but dangerous to manufacture. About 20 percent of meth labs are discovered only when they literally catch fire and explode. We can and must restrict access to these precursor materials before more horror stories make us realize we've acted too late."

The State Health Commissioner has made a compelling case that sufficient cause exists for him to declare that methamphetamines constitute an imminent danger to the public health for which corrective action must be taken. The Superintendent of the State Police has likewise determined that methamphetamines constitute a significant public safety problem. Prudence dictates that steps be taken immediately to address this problem in Virginia before it reaches the magnitude seen in some states.

Methamphetamines are manufactured using a variety of precursor ingredients, many of which are found in legal, over-the-counter medications. A growing number of states are taking action to limit access to these precursor ingredients. A majority of states have now imposed some limitations on retailing of these products or are considering such limits. Virginia needs to take similar steps to protect the public health and safety and to avoid becoming a haven for the manufacture of methamphetamines.

While many retailers in Virginia have taken voluntary steps to limit the sale of precursor ingredients for methamphetamines, a uniform approach is needed. Accordingly, based on consultation with the State Health Commissioner and the Superintendent of State Police and based on their best professional advice, the Governor directs the following:

* That the State Health Commissioner issue by September 15, 2005, an order limiting quantities that can be purchased of the precursor ingredients most commonly and easily used in manufacture of methamphetamines, restricting access to the targeted products by moving them behind the counter or requiring them to be otherwise secured, requiring identification for purchase of the targeted products, and requiring a record of purchases to be maintained. This regulation shall be effective no later than October 1, 2005, and shall be in effect until July 1, 2006, to allow time for action by the 2006 General Assembly.
* That the Governor's Office of Substance Abuse Prevention, the Superintendent of State Police, the State Health Commissioner, and the Commissioner of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services develop further comprehensive educational efforts to help curb methamphetamine use.
* That the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation, and Substance Abuse Services develop a plan for treatment for methamphetamine addiction, working with local community services boards and local law enforcement departments.

Today, House Speaker William J. Howell and members of his caucus outlined plans to codify these actions and others in legislation during the 2006 session of the General Assembly. Additionally, Senator Kenneth W. Stolle, chairman of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, has agreed to patron legislation in the Senate at the Governor's request. Senators Phil Puckett and William Wampler have also pledged their support for this legislation. Delegates Clarence E. "Bud" Phillips and Jackie Stump have agreed to patron the legislation for the Governor in the House of Delegates.

"I applaud Speaker Howell, Senator Stolle, Delegate Phillips, and Delegate Stump and other legislators for their willingness to work in a bipartisan fashion to help eradicate the methamphetamine problem in Virginia," said the Governor. "Until the legislature has opportunity to act, it's my hope this executive directive slows the spread of this problem in Virginia. I commend the retailers for their willingness to work with us on this problem."

http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/Sep05/0901.htm