Letter: Martin’s bill right way to stop meth production

Last month, I read an op-ed from State Sen. Larry Martin that argued for very compelling legislation that would fairly attack the meth problem in our state without adversely affecting those who rely on products containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) to treat their cold and allergy symptoms.

Sen. Larry Martin is rightfully opposed to proposals that would require all South Carolinians to obtain a prescription for medicine containing PSE; instead, he suggested that our state implement what is known as a meth offender block list. This block list would require anyone previously convicted of a meth crime get a prescription to use PSE products but would keep full access to the decongestant for law-abiding citizens.

While I retired from hospital administration, as CEO for Baptist Easley, I began my career in the medical field as a pharmacist. A prescription requirement for everyone would undoubtedly create tremendous burdens for South Carolina families by forcing them to go to the doctor just to get safe and effective medicine to treat a stuffy nose.

In this end, Sen. Martin has it right. To fight meth in South Carolina, we must not force every single cold and allergy sufferer to the doctor but instead focus on the lawbreakers, those who have proven to misuse pseudoephedrine.

Roddey Gettys

Liberty