editorial comment The Road to Serfdom.....what is the next "precursor"?

The Minnesota Senate passed a bill Thursday limiting the sale of popular cold remedies that contain an ingredient found in the narcotic methamaphetamine. The legislation, sponsored by state Sen. Linda Berglin, DFL-Minneapolis, would only allow the sale of pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, ingredients found in over-the-counter drugs such as Sudafed, at licensed pharmacies.

The nasal decongestants would be reclassified as controlled substances, according to The Star Tribune. The new classification would bar grocers and convenience stores from selling the drugs -- a provision of the bill that has prompted complaints from some retailers.

The Senate defeated a motion that would have allow retailers to sell the drugs if they were kept secure behind a counter. The Minnesota Grocers Association supported the proposal, saying it would put smaller retailers on an even playing field with larger stores and pharmacies.

Those who buy the cold remedies would be required to sign a pharmacist\'s log and show an ID proving they are at least 18, under the Senate bill.

Supporters of the bill say the legislation is necessary to combat meth use -- a problem that has hit rural communities particularly hard. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that is linked to violent behavior and brain damage.

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